The Gailliv. : an illustrated history of the ancient city of Galway

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. Father executes son at Lumbard Street window, 1624

   Lombard Street · street · Galway · 1624

   A Galway magistrate hanged his own son from an arched window of his house in Lumbard Street rather than yield to a mob demanding mercy. The house still stood at the time of writing, and a black marble carving of a skull with crossed bones, dated 1624, marked the front window. The street was locally known as 'Dead-man's Lane.'

   Read the passage

   death from the fury of the rabble, this extraordinary man retained his station, satisfied with the silent approval of a good conscience, perfectly regardless of the applause or censure of the multitude, conscious of having fulfilled his duty to God, to man, and his country : but this act of greatness awed them ; they stood motionless with amazement ; a sentiment of admiration and sorrow united alone prevailed ; and, when all was over, they slowly and peaceably retired — so wonderous is the influence of an exalted and daring mind, when actuated by the principles of virtue. The innocent cause of this lamentable tragedy is said to have died of grief, and the father of her lover to have secluded himself from society for the remainder of his days, never to have been seen again, except by his mourning family. This house still exists in Lumbard Street, which is yet known by the name of ' Dead-man's Lane,' and the execution is said to have taken place at a window in the rear of the house ; though the vulgar error is, that he was suspended over the front window, which is distinguished by a handsome representation, carved in black marble, of a human skull, with two bones crossed beneath. It is dated in 1624 ; and is supposed to have been put up by some of his family, as a public memorial of a transaction which succeeding times looked upon with astonishment, and which the production of the arts in this country should perpetuate with statues. Opinions may, no doubt, be divided as to the cruelty or inhumanity of the father ; but few will question the integrity of the judge, or the equity of the sentence ; or can it be any longer surprising, that, after so brilliant an example of justice, united to the general character of the inhabitants, the town attained, as before observed, that degree of universal credit which it will be found to- have done within little more than a century after this period."

   Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 28

   As the companion tells it

   Along here on Lombard Street, in 1624, a Galway magistrate hanged his own son from a window of his house rather than yield to a mob demanding mercy. The crowd had gathered, furious, calling for the young man's life to be spared. The father refused. He was satisfied, the record says, with the silent approval of a good conscience, conscious of having fulfilled his duty to God, to man, and his country. The act awed them. They stood motionless with amazement, admiration and sorrow united in them, and when all was over they slowly and peaceably retired. The innocent cause of this lamentable tragedy, a woman, is said to have died of grief. The father of her lover, the magistrate, secluded himself from society for the remainder of his days, never seen again except by his mourning family. The house still stood in Lumbard Street at the time of writing, and the street was locally known as Dead-man's Lane. The execution is said to have taken place at a window in the rear of the house. But the common belief was that he was suspended over the front window, which is marked by a carving in black marble of a human skull with two bones crossed beneath. It is dated 1624, and is supposed to have been put up by some of his family as a public memorial of a transaction which succeeding times looked upon with astonishment. Opinions may be divided as to the cruelty or inhumanity of the father, but few will question the integrity of the judge or the equity of the sentence. After so brilliant an example of justice, the town attained a degree of universal credit within little more than a century after this period.

2. Cromwellian occupation of Galway (1651–1660)

   Galway · city · Galway · 1651–1660

   From 1651 to 1660, Galway became the theatre of frightful carnage and suffering under the Cromwellian army. Treaties were broken, people were ruined, driven forth, or sold as slaves, and churches were turned into stables.

   Read the passage

   From 1651, the date of the appearance of the Cromwellian army in the West, to the Kestoration in 1660, Galway became the theatre of the most frightful carnage, persecutions, and sufferings. Treaties were broken as soon as made, and the Town handed over to the mercy of a brutal and licentious garrison. The unfortunate people were first ruined by fines and exactions, or the simple process of open robbery, and then driven forth to starve or sold as slaves in the West Indies. The churches were turned into stables for the horses, and the sacred vessels used for drinking cups in which the drunken soldiery pledged their blasphemous or immoral toasts.

   On the restoration of Charles II., such of the old inhabitants who were left, and who had suffered so much in his cause, returned to the town, expecting to be instantly reinstated in their properties of which the Cromwellians had robbed them ; but, though an Act was framed to this end, the careless and ungrateful monarch did not trouble to see it enforced. Between the confusion consequent on this state of affairs and the monopolies unjustly acquired by the Corporation, the town, once so opulent, was gradually falling into a state of ruin. A temporary check was given to its downward career when in 1686 the disabilities were removed from the Catholics by James II. Churches were repaired or rebuilt, many of the old families again returned to the Town, and again trade began to increase. This happy state of affairs was but temporary, however, for in 1689, on the deposition of James, the country was once more plunged into the horrors of civil war. Galway was the last of the Irish strongholds to fall, but fall it eventually did after a siege worthy of , the history of its defenders, and to conditions as honourable if not as satisfactory as the most complete victory. Once within the walls of a town, however, treaties did not much disturb the conscience of Ginckle; and Galway shared the unbappy fate of Limerick.

   Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 32

   As the companion tells it

   Coming through Galway now, a city that carries the scars of one of the darkest chapters in its long history. From 1651, when the Cromwellian army appeared in the West, to the Restoration in 1660, Galway became the theatre of the most frightful carnage, persecutions, and sufferings. Treaties were broken as soon as they were made, and the town was handed over to the mercy of a brutal and licentious garrison. The unfortunate people were first ruined by fines and exactions, or the simple process of open robbery, and then driven forth to starve or sold as slaves in the West Indies. The churches were turned into stables for the horses, and the sacred vessels were used for drinking cups in which the drunken soldiery pledged their blasphemous or immoral toasts. When Charles the Second was restored, such of the old inhabitants who were left, and who had suffered so much in his cause, returned to the town expecting to be instantly reinstated in their properties, of which the Cromwellians had robbed them. An Act was framed to this end, but the careless and ungrateful monarch did not trouble to see it enforced. Between the confusion consequent on that state of affairs and the monopolies unjustly acquired by the Corporation, the town, once so opulent, was gradually falling into a state of ruin. A temporary check came in 1686 when James the Second removed the disabilities from the Catholics. Churches were repaired or rebuilt, many of the old families returned, and trade began to increase again. But that relief was short-lived. In 1689, on the deposition of James, the country was once more plunged into the horrors of civil war. Galway was the last of the Irish strongholds to fall, and when it did, it shared the unhappy fate of Limerick under Ginckle, for once within the walls of a town, treaties did not much disturb his conscience.

3. Murder of Gomez at the shore of Galway

   Galway · city · Galway

   In a legend of Galway, a jealous young man named Walter pursued his imagined Spanish rival, Gomez, through the streets towards a solitary quarter close to the shore. Walter overtook Gomez near the water's edge, stabbed him with a poniard, and plunged his body into the sea, where the tide later washed it back onto the beach.

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   opportunity, not of asking his mistress if his suspicions were founded in fancy or reality, but of upbraiding her for her infidelity in terms of haughty anger. She, in her turn, astonished and irritated by such unexpected injustice, and that, too, from the chosen of her heart, affected disdain to conceal her fondness, and refused to deny the charge. ' Love,' says some philosopher, who assuredly had felt the passion, " for the most part resembles hatred rather than affection," and what now passed between these young persons was a confirmation of the truth of that remark. Though mutually enamoured, one obeyed the dictates of jealousy, and the other of pride. They parted in violence ; and, while the forlorn Agnes may be supposed retiring to weep over her wrongs, her admirer, racked by the fiends and furies that possessed his bosom, withdrew to revolve the direful project of revenge. Accident contributed at once to strengthen his determination and facilitate his purpose. The following night, as he passed slowly and alone by the residence of the fair one, he perceived a man come from the house, and knew him to be Gomez, who had, indeed, passed the evening there, being invited by the father of Agnes, who spoke the language of Spain with fluency, and courted the society of all who could converse with him. Urged by his rage, the lover pursued his imagined rival, who, being alarmed by a voice which he did not recognize, fled before him. From ignorance of the streets, he directed his steps towards a solitary quarter of the town, close to the shore ; but, before he had quite reached the water's edge, his mad and cruel pursuer overtook him, darted a poinard into his heart, and plunged him bleeding into the sea. In the night the tide threw the body of the innocent victim of insanity back upon the beach, where it was found and soon recognized. The rash and wretched murderer (from himself the particulars were obtained) had scarcely committed the sanguinary deed than he repented it ; but fear, or rather that feeling which teaches us to preserve life, even when we no longer love it, caused him to hasten from the scene of his crime, and endeavour to hide himself in the recess of a wood at some distance. Here he could hide ; but, alas ! not from himself : the shades of the night and the darkness of the forest were unto him as the noon of day. In agonies of despair he cried aloud, and rolled himself upon the earth ; and when the first streaks of light appeared in the sky, he rose with a settled resolution of expiating his guilt, as far as he could, by surrendering himself to the law, and, with that intention, was returning to town, when he perceived a crowd of persons approaching, amongst

   Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 26

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, the old legend here tells of a jealous young man named Walter and a Spanish visitor named Gomez. Walter was enamoured of Agnes, but a suspicion took hold of him that Gomez had won her favour. He went to Agnes and upbraided her for infidelity. She, astonished by the injustice and stung by pride, refused to deny the charge, and they parted in violence. The following night, Walter passed by her residence and saw a man come from the house. He knew him to be Gomez, who had spent the evening there, invited by Agnes's father, who spoke the language of Spain with fluency and courted the company of all who could converse with him. Walter, urged by rage, pursued his imagined rival. Gomez, alarmed by a voice he did not recognize, fled. From ignorance of the streets he directed his steps towards a solitary quarter of the town, close to the shore. But before he had quite reached the water's edge, his pursuer overtook him, darted a poniard into his heart, and plunged him bleeding into the sea. In the night the tide threw the body of the innocent victim back upon the beach, where it was found and soon recognized. Walter had scarcely committed the deed than he repented it. Fear caused him to hasten from the scene and hide himself in the recess of a wood at some distance. But the shades of the night and the darkness of the forest were unto him as the noon of day. In agonies of despair he cried aloud and rolled himself upon the earth. When the first streaks of light appeared, he rose with a settled resolution of expiating his guilt by surrendering himself to the law, and was returning to town when he perceived a crowd of persons approaching.

4. Townspeople capture and demolish Forthill fort

   Forthill · site · Donegal · 1643

   In 1643, the townspeople of Galway, unable to endure the abuses of the fort's occupiers, surrounded Forthill, cut off all supplies, and forced Captain Willoughby to surrender on 20 June. The fort was subsequently demolished by order of the Supreme Council, and Forthill was restored to the Augustinian Friars as a cemetery.

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   During forty years the fort was occupied by the military, and during that time many were the atrocities committed within its walls. This state of things, however, could not last, and a day of vengeance came at length. The townspeople could no longer endure the abuses and outrages of the defenders or occupiers of the fort, and in the year 1643 took up arms in defence of their religion and liberty. They surrounded the fort, cut off all means of communication by land and sea. and thus depriving the defenders of all supplies, compelled them to surrender and yield up the fort. Captain Willoughby, who defended it, used every means to placate the confederates, but all in vain, and so on the 20th of June, 1643, he signed the articles of surrender, and delivered up one of the most important fortresses in the kingdom, which soon afterwards, by order of the Supreme Council, was completely demolished. The rejoicings in Galway, says Hardiman, "on the surrender and demolition of the fort, were excessive. Public prayers and thanksgiving were offered up for this signal event and happy deliverence from its troublesome and dangerous neighbour." Once again Forthill was restored to its rightful owners. Once again the Augustinian Friars threw open its gates to the faithful, and once again it became the last resting place of the dead. From this time to the present day it suffered no further desecration, and still continues to be used as a cemetery. It may appear strange, and at first sight inexplicable, how it is that a cemetery dating back so far contains no monument more ancient than the year 1745. Yet there is nothing strange in this, and to use the words of the great historian, " it does not, for very obvious reasons, contain any monument of antiquity." In the first place, in the year 1600, when the cemetery was turned into a fort, all the then existing monuments were either destroyed or buried beneath the fortifications. In the next place, shortly after the restoration of the cemetery in the year 1643, troubled times again broke out, and Catholics feared to venture far outside the walls of the town, and when they did so were content to

   Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 4

5. Famine and pestilence in Galway, 1741

   Galway · city · Galway · 1741

   In 1741 Galway was scourged by a famine followed by a terrible pestilence that carried people off by hundreds. The fever raged so badly physicians refused to visit patients, and the city was threatened with annihilation. The Ascendancy Party offered rewards for robbery convictions and removed the race course to Tuam.

   Read the passage

   In 1741 the legitimate trade and commerce of the town having been driven to other ports, Galway was cruelly scourged by a famine. This was followed by a terrible pestilence which carried the people off by hundreds. A letter of that date says — " The fever so rages that the physicians say it is more like a plague than a fever, and refuse to visit the patients for any fee whatsoever." So bad, indeed, this calamity become that at one time the city was threatened with annihilation. The unfortunate inhabitants, dying of sickness and starvation, were driven to stealing the vegetables from the fields, or indeed any kind of food they could lay hands on. The Ascendancy Party, however, were not unmindful of their duty in this crisis, so they clubbed together and offered a reward of £30 for the first, and £10 for every subsequent conviction for robbery. As an extra precaution, they removed the race course to the neighbourhood of Tuam. f

   * See article on Augustinians in Galway, page 23. f See article by R. J. Kelly, B.L.,

   Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 33

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, the city in 1741 was cruelly scourged by famine. Its legitimate trade and commerce had already been driven to other ports. Then a terrible pestilence followed, carrying the people off by hundreds. A letter from that year says "the fever so rages that the physicians say it is more like a plague than a fever, and refuse to visit the patients for any fee whatsoever." The calamity grew so bad that at one time the city was threatened with annihilation. The unfortunate inhabitants, dying of sickness and starvation, were driven to stealing vegetables from the fields, or any kind of food they could lay hands on. The Ascendancy Party clubbed together and offered a reward of 30 pounds for the first conviction for robbery, and 10 pounds for every subsequent conviction. As an extra precaution, they removed the race course to the neighbourhood of Tuam.

6. Battle of Athenry, 1315

   Athenry · town · Galway · 1315

   Following Edward Bruce's 1315 invasion of Ireland, Fedhlim of Connacht declared for Bruce but failed to capture Galway. The townspeople sent trained bands under Sir William Leigh de Burgh to battle at Athenry, the most sanguinary engagement recorded in the town's history, where Fedhlim fell with 8,000 of his men.

   Read the passage

   Ireland in 1315 was invaded by Edward Bruce. Fedhlim of Connacht after some time declared for him, but signally failed to capture the town of Galway. Emboldened by their success, the townspeople sent forth their trained bands under Sir William Leigh de Burgh, to give him battle. The engagement which followed at Athenry is said to be the most sanguinary recorded in the history of the town. Fedhlim fell with 8,000 of his men. This defeat gave the De Burgos the complete control of the whole province from the Shannon to the sea, and making Galway the seat of their government, its importance was still further increased. Freed from the possibility of a serious war with their jealous neighbours, the inhabitants devoted themselves to the embellishment of the town and the increase of their own personal comfort. Many noble mansions were now erected, and in their midst the noble Church of St. Nicholas of Myra arose in its stately grandeur,

   Upon the assassination of William the Third, Earl of Ulster, in 1333, Edmund Albanach and Sir William de Burgo, the most powerful of the junior branches of the de Burgos, threw off their allegiance to the Crown, and, disregarding the rights of Elizabeth, the daughter of the slain earl, took possession of the entire territory of Connaught, which they divided between them. To Sir William fell the Town of Galway, with the southern portion of the province.

   Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 23

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up is Athenry, and in 1315 it was the site of the bloodiest battle in its recorded history. Edward Bruce invaded Ireland that year, and Fedhlim of Connacht declared for him after some time. Fedhlim signally failed to capture the town of Galway. Emboldened by their success, the townspeople sent forth their trained bands under Sir William Leigh de Burgh to give him battle. The engagement that followed here is said to be the most sanguinary recorded in the history of the town. Fedhlim fell with 8,000 of his men. This defeat gave the De Burgos complete control of the whole province from the Shannon to the sea. Making Galway the seat of their government, its importance was still further increased. Freed from the possibility of a serious war with their jealous neighbours, the inhabitants devoted themselves to the embellishment of the town and the increase of their own personal comfort. Many noble mansions were erected, and in their midst the Church of St. Nicholas of Myra arose in its stately grandeur. Upon the assassination of William the Third, Earl of Ulster, in 1333, Edmund Albanach and Sir William de Burgh, the most powerful of the junior branches of the de Burgos, threw off their allegiance to the Crown. Disregarding the rights of Elizabeth, the daughter of the slain earl, they took possession of the entire territory of Connaught, which they divided between them. To Sir William fell Galway, with the southern portion of the province.

7. Church of St. Nicholas of Myra erected in Galway

   Galway · city · Galway · 1315–1400

   Freed from the threat of war with their neighbours, Galway's inhabitants devoted themselves to embellishing the town. Many noble mansions were erected, and among them the Church of St. Nicholas of Myra arose in stately grandeur.

   Read the passage

   Ireland in 1315 was invaded by Edward Bruce. Fedhlim of Connacht after some time declared for him, but signally failed to capture the town of Galway. Emboldened by their success, the townspeople sent forth their trained bands under Sir William Leigh de Burgh, to give him battle. The engagement which followed at Athenry is said to be the most sanguinary recorded in the history of the town. Fedhlim fell with 8,000 of his men. This defeat gave the De Burgos the complete control of the whole province from the Shannon to the sea, and making Galway the seat of their government, its importance was still further increased. Freed from the possibility of a serious war with their jealous neighbours, the inhabitants devoted themselves to the embellishment of the town and the increase of their own personal comfort. Many noble mansions were now erected, and in their midst the noble Church of St. Nicholas of Myra arose in its stately grandeur,

   Upon the assassination of William the Third, Earl of Ulster, in 1333, Edmund Albanach and Sir William de Burgo, the most powerful of the junior branches of the de Burgos, threw off their allegiance to the Crown, and, disregarding the rights of Elizabeth, the daughter of the slain earl, took possession of the entire territory of Connaught, which they divided between them. To Sir William fell the Town of Galway, with the southern portion of the province.

   Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 23

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, this is a city whose fortunes changed after a bloody battle. In 1315, Edward Bruce invaded Ireland. Fedhlim of Connacht declared for him after some time, but signally failed to capture the town of Galway. Emboldened by their success, the townspeople sent forth their trained bands under Sir William Leigh de Burgh to give him battle. The engagement which followed at Athenry is said to be the most sanguinary recorded in the history of the town. Fedhlim fell with 8,000 of his men. That defeat gave the De Burgos complete control of the whole province from the Shannon to the sea, and making Galway the seat of their government, its importance was still further increased. Freed from the possibility of a serious war with their jealous neighbours, the inhabitants devoted themselves to the embellishment of the town. Many noble mansions were now erected, and in their midst the noble Church of St. Nicholas of Myra arose in its stately grandeur. Upon the assassination of William the Third, Earl of Ulster, in 1333, Edmund Albanach and Sir William de Burgo, the most powerful of the junior branches of the de Burgos, threw off their allegiance to the Crown, and disregarding the rights of Elizabeth, the daughter of the slain earl, took possession of the entire territory of Connaught, which they divided between them. To Sir William fell the Town of Galway, with the southern portion of the province.

8. Forthill Fort captured and razed

   Forthill · site · Donegal · 1642

   Colonel John Bourke besieged and captured the Fort of Forthill at Galway with the assistance of the town's citizens, defeating Clanricarde's garrison. The fort, which had originally been an Augustinian monastery, was razed to the ground after capture.

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   " Colonel John Bourke appointed commaunder in chiefe in Connaught, whose affaires were too lowe brought by the private workinge of Clanricarde and Coote that none showed his face in the field against a poore little partie of very Conaght men that served under Coote's commande (this Coote and Clanricarde are cossen germans by their mothers). This brave saoldier by real assistance of the well affected of Galwaie made up a considerable partie, and out of hand did leaguer the Byall forte of Galwaie, which was then by Clanricarde' s meanes verie strong and pernitious to the borderinge Irish, though many rubs happened as well to hinder his promotion as the intended service, yett bv his owne vigilante care he battered and won the forte, giving the defendants quarter of theire lives. This peece of service have Colonel John Bourke achieved to the exceeding content of Galwaie men (which was Clanrickarde's vy upon the town) and to his proper honour and fame, after the fort was in his possesion, rased the same level unto the greunde. This forte in ancient time had been a inonasterie af Sainte Augustins order, i

   The Town, however, was not long suffered to enjoy the fruits of its victory. We havo seen how, from the advent of the first Anglo-Norman settlers, unswerving loyalty to the Crown was ever its most striking characteristic, and brought with it its reward ; but now a new era was fast approaching when the very

   Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 30

9. Galway's 1514 boycotting laws against the Irish

   Galway · city · Galway · 1514

   Galway's corporation passed ordinances in 1514 prohibiting townspeople from selling boats, weapons, or munitions to Irishmen, and forbidding the hosting of Burkes, McWilliams, or Kellies without mayoral license. No Irish judge was permitted to plead in town courts, and no man could be made free unless he spoke English and shaved his upper lip.

   Read the passage

   " That none of the town buy cattle out of the country, but only of true men. That the mayor, warden, and bailiffs shall be first served with all provisions at market, and them who first comes is first served. That no man in the town shall lend or sell galley, boat, or bark to any Irishman. That no person shall give or sell to the Irish any munition as hand povins, caliores, poulder, lead or salt petter, nor bows, longbowes, cross-bow strongs, nor yearn to make the same, nor no kind of weapon, on pain to forteit the same and one hundred shillings. That every ship that cometh a fishing within the haven of Galway shall pay half tithes to the colladge of all such fish as they shall take within the said haven if they take fire water and service within the said haven or town. Also that every top man pay 40s, and every small man 20s and 41b. of gunpowder to the town and corporation. If any man shall bring any Irishman to brag or boast in the town to forfeit 12d. That no man of this town shall host or receive into their houses at Christmas, Easter, or no feast elles, any of the Burkes, McWilliams, the Kellies, nor no sept else, without license of the Mayor and Council, on pain to forfeit £5. That neither Mac nor 0 shall strut nor swagger through the streets of Galway. That no freeman quit the town without the license of the Mayor, under a pain of 20s. That no Irish judge shall plead in a man's cause or matter within the town or court, for it agreeth not with the King's laws. That no man be made free unless he speaks the English tongue and shave his upper lip." In 1526 " No carpenter or mason shall have for his hire but two pence naturally every day with meat and drink."

   Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 37

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up now through Galway. This is a city that drew a line in 1514. The corporation passed ordinances that year walling the town off from the Irish around it. The rules were blunt. No man in the town could lend or sell any galley, boat, or bark to any Irishman. No person could give or sell munitions: hand povins, caliores, powder, lead, saltpetre, bows, longbows, crossbow strings, yarn to make the same, nor any kind of weapon. The penalty was forfeiture of the goods and one hundred shillings. Nobody could bring an Irishman to brag or boast in the town, on pain of twelve pence. And the corporation named names. No man of the town was to host or receive into their houses, at Christmas, Easter, or any other feast, any of the Burkes, the McWilliams, the Kellies, or any sept else, without license of the Mayor and Council. Break that, and you forfeited five pounds. Neither Mac nor O was to strut or swagger through the streets of Galway. No Irish judge was to plead in a man's cause or matter within the town or court. The record says, it agreeth not with the King's laws. And no man was to be made free unless he spoke the English tongue and shaved his upper lip. There were other rules too, about buying cattle only from true men, about the mayor and warden being served first at market. But the heart of it was this: a town sealing itself, trade by trade, door by door, against the very people whose country it sat in.

10. Limerick offered as security to the Duke of Lorraine

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1651

    In 1651, the Marquis of Clanricard entered a treaty with the Duke of Lorraine to obtain £20,000 for the King's service, offering the City of Limerick and Town of Galway as security. He directed his commissioners to describe these places for the Duke.

    Read the passage

    f It may have been also during these years that the Clanricard Map of the Town was purchased. This is the Map that was drawn in 1651 for the Marquis of Clanricard, then Lord Deputy, when he entered into a treaty with the Duke of Lorraine to obtain £20,000 for the King's service in Ireland, for which sum he agreed to give the City of Limerick and Town of Galway as security ; and directed his Commissioners to describe these places for the Duke. After the Restoration the Map was finished, and (Hardiman says) engraved at the expense of the Corporation. Hardiman " long despaired of seeing a copy," the only one known being at Castlemagarrett. However, he found there was another at T.C.D. ; and from that the engraving was done which appears in his History (to face p. 30). Hely Dutton afterwards saw the Map at Castlemagarrett. Is this the copy now in Galway ? and is any third copy known to exist ?

    If we have reason to expect enough subscriptions to cover the expenses, a photographic reproduction of the Map (reduced to about 45 by 30 in.) can be prepared. This would be much more satisfactory than Hardiman's engraving, which does not include the whole Map. Copies, mounted complete, would cost, we are informed, one guinea each, or less.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 44

    As the companion tells it

    In 1651, the Marquis of Clanricard, then Lord Deputy, entered into a treaty with the Duke of Lorraine. He was trying to obtain £20,000 for the King's service in Ireland. As security for that sum, he agreed to give the City of Limerick and the Town of Galway. He directed his commissioners to describe these places for the Duke. A map was drawn that same year for the Marquis of Clanricard, possibly the Clanricard Map of the Town. After the Restoration, the map was finished and, as Hardiman says, engraved at the expense of the Corporation. Hardiman long despaired of seeing a copy. The only one known was at Castlemagarrett. He then found there was another at Trinity College Dublin, and from that copy the engraving was done which appears in his History. Hely Dutton afterwards saw the map at Castlemagarrett. The author asks whether that copy is now in Galway, and whether any third copy is known to exist. He notes that a photographic reproduction of the map could be prepared if enough subscriptions cover the expenses, reduced to about 45 by 30 inches. Copies mounted complete would cost one guinea each, or less.

11. Original site of Augustinian Nunnery on Middle Street

    Middle Street · street · Galway · 1651–1652

    The Augustinian Nunnery in Galway existed before 1651, as marked on an old map of that date. It was situated in 'Sraid eddir da bogher' (now Middle Street), on the site later occupied by the Mechanics' Institute. The nuns were driven out by Cromwell in 1652 but repeatedly returned despite persecution.

    Read the passage

    concerns. That these Nuns existed in Galway before the year 1651 there cannot be even a shadow of doubt, for on the old map of Galway, which bears the above date, the very spot where the Convent stood is clearly marked. According to this map, it was situated in Sraid eddir da bogher (now Middle Street), and occupied the position where now stands the Mechanics' Institute. On the advent of Cromwell in 1652, the Augustinian Nuns, in common with the other religious, both men and women, were driven from their Convent, and for nearly a century had to endure all the hardships of those terrible persecutions which have already been described. Still in spite of all their hardship, and in defiance of all the edicts promulgated against them, like the Friars of their Order, they continued to dwell in the town, and whenever the heat of persecution subsided, again reassembled and returned to their former dwelling.

    /When about the year 1725, a more peaceable state of things prevailed, and the religious, Priests and Nuns, came forth from their hiding places, threw off their disguise, and again took possession of their former dwellings — if, perchance, they remained standing, — the daughters of Augustine, instead of returning to the Convent, which occupied, as we have already said, the site of the Mechanics' Institute, obtained a much more commodious house lower down in the street (opposite the present Court Theatre), which they turned into a handsome Convent and continued to occupy until near the middle of the last century. Kegarding this Convent, the Mayor reported in 1731,

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Middle Street, the original site of the Augustinian Nunnery is marked. There is no doubt the nuns existed in Galway before 1651, for on the old map of Galway bearing that date, the very spot where the convent stood is clearly marked. According to that map, it was situated in what was then called Sraid eddir da bogher, now Middle Street, and occupied the position where the Mechanics' Institute now stands. When Cromwell arrived in 1652, the Augustinian Nuns, like all other religious men and women in the town, were driven from their convent. For nearly a century they endured the hardships of persecution. Still, in spite of all their hardship and in defiance of all the edicts promulgated against them, they continued to dwell in the town. Whenever the heat of persecution subsided, they reassembled and returned to their former dwelling. About the year 1725, a more peaceable state of things prevailed. The religious, priests and nuns, came forth from their hiding places, threw off their disguise, and again took possession of their former dwellings if they remained standing. The daughters of Augustine, instead of returning to the convent on this site, obtained a more commodious house lower down in the street, opposite the present Court Theatre, which they turned into a handsome convent and occupied until near the middle of the last century. The Mayor reported on this convent in 1731.

12. Siege and fall of Galway (1689–1691)

    Galway · city · Galway · 1689–1691

    In 1689, following the deposition of James II, Galway became the last Irish stronghold to fall after a siege. Despite honourable conditions of surrender, Ginckle broke the treaties and Catholics were dispossessed, sharing the unhappy fate of Limerick.

    Read the passage

    On the restoration of Charles II., such of the old inhabitants who were left, and who had suffered so much in his cause, returned to the town, expecting to be instantly reinstated in their properties of which the Cromwellians had robbed them ; but, though an Act was framed to this end, the careless and ungrateful monarch did not trouble to see it enforced. Between the confusion consequent on this state of affairs and the monopolies unjustly acquired by the Corporation, the town, once so opulent, was gradually falling into a state of ruin. A temporary check was given to its downward career when in 1686 the disabilities were removed from the Catholics by James II. Churches were repaired or rebuilt, many of the old families again returned to the Town, and again trade began to increase. This happy state of affairs was but temporary, however, for in 1689, on the deposition of James, the country was once more plunged into the horrors of civil war. Galway was the last of the Irish strongholds to fall, but fall it eventually did after a siege worthy of , the history of its defenders, and to conditions as honourable if not as satisfactory as the most complete victory. Once within the walls of a town, however, treaties did not much disturb the conscience of Ginckle; and Galway shared the unbappy fate of Limerick.

    Once again, despite the most solemn pledges of Ginckle, the Catholics were gradually dispossessed of their wealth, their houses, and sometimes even of their lives, and Galway had gone another step in her downward career.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming into Galway now. This city was the last Irish stronghold to fall in the war that followed the deposition of James the Second in 1689. It had been a long decline before that. When Charles the Second was restored, the old inhabitants who had suffered in his cause came back expecting to be reinstated in the properties the Cromwellians had robbed from them. An act was framed to that end, but the monarch did not trouble to see it enforced. Between that confusion and monopolies acquired by the Corporation, the once opulent town was gradually falling into ruin. A temporary check came in 1686, when James the Second removed the disabilities from the Catholics. Churches were repaired or rebuilt, old families returned, and trade began to increase again. That happy state was temporary. In 1689, on the deposition of James, the country was plunged once more into civil war. Galway fell after a siege, on conditions as honourable as the most complete victory. But once within the walls, treaties did not much disturb the conscience of Ginckle. Despite the most solemn pledges, the Catholics were gradually dispossessed of their wealth, their houses, and sometimes even of their lives. Galway shared the unhappy fate of Limerick, and went another step in her downward career.

13. The Clanricard Map of Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1651

    In 1651, a map of Galway was drawn for the Marquis of Clanricard when he entered a treaty with the Duke of Lorraine to secure funds for the King's service. After the Restoration, the map was finished and engraved at the Corporation's expense.

    Read the passage

    f It may have been also during these years that the Clanricard Map of the Town was purchased. This is the Map that was drawn in 1651 for the Marquis of Clanricard, then Lord Deputy, when he entered into a treaty with the Duke of Lorraine to obtain £20,000 for the King's service in Ireland, for which sum he agreed to give the City of Limerick and Town of Galway as security ; and directed his Commissioners to describe these places for the Duke. After the Restoration the Map was finished, and (Hardiman says) engraved at the expense of the Corporation. Hardiman " long despaired of seeing a copy," the only one known being at Castlemagarrett. However, he found there was another at T.C.D. ; and from that the engraving was done which appears in his History (to face p. 30). Hely Dutton afterwards saw the Map at Castlemagarrett. Is this the copy now in Galway ? and is any third copy known to exist ?

    If we have reason to expect enough subscriptions to cover the expenses, a photographic reproduction of the Map (reduced to about 45 by 30 in.) can be prepared. This would be much more satisfactory than Hardiman's engraving, which does not include the whole Map. Copies, mounted complete, would cost, we are informed, one guinea each, or less.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 44

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, there is a map of this city that goes back to 1651. It was drawn for the Marquis of Clanricard, who was then Lord Deputy. He had entered into a treaty with the Duke of Lorraine to obtain 20,000 pounds for the King's service in Ireland. For that sum, he agreed to give the City of Limerick and the Town of Galway as security. He directed his Commissioners to describe these places for the Duke. After the Restoration, the Map was finished, and Hardiman says it was engraved at the expense of the Corporation. Hardiman long despaired of seeing a copy. The only one known was at Castlemagarrett. Then he found there was another at Trinity College Dublin, and from that copy the engraving was done which appears in his History. Hely Dutton afterwards saw the Map at Castlemagarrett. Whether the copy now in Galway is that one, and whether any third copy is known to exist, remains a question.

14. Walter hides in a wood near Galway after the murder

    Galway · city · Galway

    After killing Gomez, Walter fled from the shore and hid in the recess of a wood at some distance from Galway town. There he spent the night in despair before resolving to surrender himself to the law, and was met on the road back by his father, the mayor, accompanied by officers of justice and a military guard.

    Read the passage

    opportunity, not of asking his mistress if his suspicions were founded in fancy or reality, but of upbraiding her for her infidelity in terms of haughty anger. She, in her turn, astonished and irritated by such unexpected injustice, and that, too, from the chosen of her heart, affected disdain to conceal her fondness, and refused to deny the charge. ' Love,' says some philosopher, who assuredly had felt the passion, " for the most part resembles hatred rather than affection," and what now passed between these young persons was a confirmation of the truth of that remark. Though mutually enamoured, one obeyed the dictates of jealousy, and the other of pride. They parted in violence ; and, while the forlorn Agnes may be supposed retiring to weep over her wrongs, her admirer, racked by the fiends and furies that possessed his bosom, withdrew to revolve the direful project of revenge. Accident contributed at once to strengthen his determination and facilitate his purpose. The following night, as he passed slowly and alone by the residence of the fair one, he perceived a man come from the house, and knew him to be Gomez, who had, indeed, passed the evening there, being invited by the father of Agnes, who spoke the language of Spain with fluency, and courted the society of all who could converse with him. Urged by his rage, the lover pursued his imagined rival, who, being alarmed by a voice which he did not recognize, fled before him. From ignorance of the streets, he directed his steps towards a solitary quarter of the town, close to the shore ; but, before he had quite reached the water's edge, his mad and cruel pursuer overtook him, darted a poinard into his heart, and plunged him bleeding into the sea. In the night the tide threw the body of the innocent victim of insanity back upon the beach, where it was found and soon recognized. The rash and wretched murderer (from himself the particulars were obtained) had scarcely committed the sanguinary deed than he repented it ; but fear, or rather that feeling which teaches us to preserve life, even when we no longer love it, caused him to hasten from the scene of his crime, and endeavour to hide himself in the recess of a wood at some distance. Here he could hide ; but, alas ! not from himself : the shades of the night and the darkness of the forest were unto him as the noon of day. In agonies of despair he cried aloud, and rolled himself upon the earth ; and when the first streaks of light appeared in the sky, he rose with a settled resolution of expiating his guilt, as far as he could, by surrendering himself to the law, and, with that intention, was returning to town, when he perceived a crowd of persons approaching, amongst

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 26

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Galway, the road passes near ground where a story of jealousy and murder once unfolded. Walter, suspecting his love Agnes of infidelity, confronted her and they parted in anger. The following night he saw a man leave her house. It was Gomez, who had been invited there by Agnes's father, a man who spoke Spanish fluently and courted the company of those who could converse with him. Walter pursued his imagined rival through streets Gomez did not know. Gomez fled toward a solitary quarter close to the shore, but before he reached the water's edge, Walter overtook him, drove a poniard into his heart, and plunged him bleeding into the sea. The tide later threw the body back upon the beach, where it was found and recognized. Walter repented almost at once. Fear drove him from the scene and he hid himself in the recess of a wood at some distance from Galway town. He could hide there, but not from himself. The darkness of the forest was to him as the noon of day. In agonies of despair he cried aloud and rolled himself upon the earth. When the first streaks of light appeared, he rose resolved to expiate his guilt by surrendering himself to the law. He was returning to town when he perceived a crowd of persons approaching, among them his father, the mayor, accompanied by officers of justice and a military guard.

15. Arrival of the Spanish youth in Galway Bay

    near Galway Bay · bay · Clare · 1493

    After a voyage from Spain, James Lynch and the young Spaniard Gomez arrived in the bay of Galway. Lynch introduced the young stranger to his family, who received him with Irish hospitality.

    Read the passage

    fully complied with by his father. They embarked accordingly, and after an easy passage, arrived in the bay of Galway. Lynch introduced the young stranger to his family, by whom he was received with that openness of heart and hospitality which has ever characterized the Irish under any circumstances, and he also recommended him in a particular manner as a companion to his only son, who was but a year or two older than Gomez, and who was considered one of the finest youths of his time. The beauty of his person, and the winning softness of his manners, rendered him a favourite with the fair sex ; he was the idol of the people for his affability and spirit, and respected by all ranks for his abilities. With superior height and dignity of mien, he possessed great muscular strength and intrepid spirit, and uncommon vigor of body and mind. Thus highly gifted by nature, and endowed with every great and good quality of the heart, he soon felt the delightful influence of his own attractions by the general admiration and esteem which they excited in others. But his endowments were not unattended by what is too often seen united with superior qualities — a tendency to the pleasures of libertinism, which greatly afflicted his father, who was himself exemplary for the purity of his life. He, however, now conceived the fullest hopes of his reformation from discovering that he paid honorable addresses to a beautiful and accomplished girl, the daughter of one of his richest and most respectable neighbours ; and he found additional satisfaction in procuring for his son the company of one so serious and well brought up as the youthful Gomez, who he hoped would assist to draw him entirely from his licentious courses. The year of his return from Spain this worthy magistrate was more than usually solicitous that nothing should happen to cast a stain upon his house or native town, of which he then was mayor — a rank in those times of the greatest importance, and one on the management of which, more than on that of any other civil employment, the general security depended. The young men lived together in perfect harmony, and frequent entertainments were given at the mayor's house, as well in honor of the stranger as for the sake of advancing the suit of his son Walter to the beautiful Agnes. At one of those festivals, which, as usual, she adorned with her presence, it happened that her lover either saw, or, which with lovers is the same, imagined that he saw, the eye of the lovely maid beam with rapture on the young Spaniard. Wild with astonishment, the fairy spell was broken ; his ardent and unruly passion took fire at the thought, and he seized an

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 25

16. Father condemns son to death in a west of Ireland town

    Galway · city · Galway

    A small town in the west of Ireland with a population of just over three thousand witnessed a father, acting as magistrate, condemn his only son to death for murder. Despite pleas for mercy from the populace and family, the father remained firm, even watching his son in the dungeon the night before the execution.

    Read the passage

    nary adversities of life are insufficient to show it in its genuine lustre, or prove how potent, how heautiful it is — or, indeed, to convince us that there exists no force by which true virtue can be subdued. If words are inadequate to describe the great and sudden wretchedness which overspread this, till now, happy-' and honourable family, they are still so to picture the despair of the tender and unfortunate Agnes. To return, however. Within the short compass of a few days, a small town in the west of Ireland, with a population at the time of a little more than three thousand persons, beheld a sight of which but one or two similar examples occur in the entire history of mankind — a father sitting in judgment, like another Lucius Junius Brutus, on his only son, and, like him too, condemning that son to die as a sacrifice to public justice. The legal enquiry which followed was short, and on his confession, strengthened by corresponding circumstances, the young man was fully convicted of the murder, and, in public, received sentence from the mouth of his afflicted father, by whom he was remanded back to prison. If the Almighty looks down with pleasure on the virtues of mankind, here was an action worthy of approbation — a father consigning his son to an ignominious death, and tearing away all the bonds of paternal affection when the laws of nature were violated and justice demanded the blow. No sooner was his sentence known to the populace, than they surrounded the place of the criminal's confinement. At first they were content with expressing their dissatisfaction by murmurs of regret and expostulations with the guards ; but, by degrees, they became tumultuous, and were prevented only by the military force from attacking the prison and pulling down the magistrate's house ; and their disorders were increased by understanding that the prisoner was now desirous of being rescued, which in some measure was true, for as his madness subsided, his love returned. The thought of for ever parting from the object of his affections was intolerable, and he began to see of what value the gift of existence was, of which his remorseless hand had deprived an unoffending stranger. By strenuous exertions the people were, for the present, dispersed, and hints were even conveyed to them that mercy would be extended to the prisoner. On his conviction the mayor was waited upon by persons of the first rank and influence in town, and solicited to consent to a reprieve. His relations and friends joined in earnest entreaty, beseeching that his blood might not be shed ; but the inflexibility of the judge resisted the the supplication, and he was inexorable. Whatever

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 27

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the city carries an old story of a father who judged his own son. In the time the book records, this was a small town in the west of Ireland with a population of a little more than 3,000. What happened here was something the writer says has only one or two parallels in the entire history of mankind. A father, sitting as magistrate, tried his only son for murder and condemned him to die, and the writer likens him to Lucius Junius Brutus. The legal enquiry was short. On the young man's confession, strengthened by circumstances, he was fully convicted. In public, he received sentence from the mouth of his afflicted father, who remanded him back to prison. Once the sentence was known, the people surrounded the place of confinement. They began with murmurs of regret and expostulations with the guards, but grew tumultuous. Only military force stopped them from attacking the prison and pulling down the magistrate's house. Their disorder increased when word spread that the prisoner now wished to be rescued, and that was partly true. As his madness subsided, his love returned. The thought of parting forever from the object of his affections became intolerable, and he began to see the value of the existence his remorseless hand had deprived an unoffending stranger of. The people were dispersed for the present, and hints were conveyed that mercy might be extended. Persons of the first rank and influence in town waited on the mayor and asked him to consent to a reprieve. His relations and friends joined in earnest entreaty, beseeching that his blood not be shed. But the inflexibility of the judge resisted every supplication. He was inexorable.

17. Oath of Union sworn in Galway, 1641

    Galway · city · Galway · 1641

    During the 1641 rebellion, Galway declared for the King. The citizens took an oath of Union pledging allegiance to King Charles while also vowing to defend the Roman Catholic religion and the Corporation of Galway, dissociating themselves from rebellion elsewhere.

    Read the passage

    The upshot of this state of affairs was the rebellion of 1641. Galway of course declared for the King, but the petty tyranny of the Governor of Forthill, Captain Willoughby, drove them into arms against the fort. To dissociate themselves against any apparent connection with the rebellion then in progress elsewhere, the following oath of Union was taken : —

    " In the name of God and the Blessed Virgin Mary, and of the whole Court of Heaven, I, A. IV., do profess, testify, and declare in my conscience that our sovereign lord, King Charles, is the lawful sovereign, lord and king of this kingdom, and all others his kingdoms and dominions ; and that I will bear true faith and allegiance unto him, his heirs, and lawful successors, and him and them, and the lawful rights and prerogatives of his crown, against all foreign powers, states, and potentates, and against all traitorous practices will uphold, maintain, and defend as far as in me lyeth.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 30

    As the companion tells it

    As the road comes through Galway, you are passing through a city that in 1641 declared for the King during the rebellion. Captain Willoughby, the Governor of Forthill, exercised petty tyranny over the citizens, and it drove them into arms against the fort. To dissociate themselves from any apparent connection with the rebellion then in progress elsewhere, the citizens took an oath of Union. They swore in the name of God and the Blessed Virgin Mary and of the whole Court of Heaven. They professed and declared that our sovereign lord, King Charles, is the lawful sovereign, lord and king of this kingdom, and all others his kingdoms and dominions. They pledged to bear true faith and allegiance to him, his heirs and lawful successors, and to uphold, maintain, and defend the rights and prerogatives of his crown against all foreign powers, states, and potentates, and against all traitorous practices, as far as in them lay.

18. Penal laws targeting Catholics in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1700

    At the beginning of the eighteenth century, an act was passed decreeing that persons of the Papish religion living within the town of Galway should forfeit all goods and suffer a year's imprisonment. Galway, with 15,000 Catholics and 350 Protestants, was singled out for exceptional penal laws.

    Read the passage

    During almost the whole of the eighteenth century the history of this unhappy town is but a miserable record of the petitions, acts, and bye-laws initiated by the now firmly-established Protestant Corporation to ruin their Catholic fellow-citizens. How far this policy of repression was carried may be judged from a section of an act passed at the very beginning of the century, which decreed that any persons of the Papish religion — with few exceptions— presuming to live within the town of Gal way, should forfeit all their goods, and suffer imprisonment for a whole year.* And this in a town where the Catholics numbered 15,000, the Protestants 350 ! ! ! Galway, indeed, possibly on account of its intense Catholicity, seems to have been singled out for exceptional penal laws. Now and then, indeed, a ray of sunshine broke through this dark cloud of oppression, where for a short period some wiser counsels prevailed. Then for the moment Galway seemed to lift its head and play once again its part in the world of commerce ; but these small rays of tolerance shone so little and lasted so short a time that they only served to make the darkness more deeply felt. Upon every rumour of rebellion or insurrection the mayor, as a preliminary measure, "turned all the Papists out of the town" (how this was done is not very clear ; probably it was only the more prominent of the citizens), having then " secured all the Popish priests in jail," his conscience was easy. The town was saved !

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 33

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is a city whose eighteenth-century history is a miserable record of petitions, acts, and bye-laws, initiated by the firmly established Protestant Corporation to ruin their Catholic fellow-citizens. At the very beginning of the 1700s, an act was passed decreeing that any persons of the Papish religion, with few exceptions, presuming to live within the town of Galway, should forfeit all their goods and suffer imprisonment for a whole year. This in a town where the Catholics numbered 15,000 and the Protestants 350. Galway, possibly on account of its intense Catholicity, seems to have been singled out for exceptional penal laws. Now and then a ray of sunshine broke through this dark cloud of oppression, where for a short period some wiser counsels prevailed. For the moment Galway seemed to lift its head and play once again its part in the world of commerce. But these small rays of tolerance shone so little and lasted so short a time that they only served to make the darkness more deeply felt. Upon every rumour of rebellion or insurrection the mayor, as a preliminary measure, "turned all the Papists out of the town" and having then "secured all the Popish priests in jail," his conscience was easy. The town was saved.

19. Restoration of Charles II and failed property reinstatements in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1660

    Following the restoration of Charles II, surviving old inhabitants of Galway returned expecting to be reinstated in their properties. The Act was not enforced, and the town fell into ruin due to monopolies unjustly acquired by the Corporation.

    Read the passage

    On the restoration of Charles II., such of the old inhabitants who were left, and who had suffered so much in his cause, returned to the town, expecting to be instantly reinstated in their properties of which the Cromwellians had robbed them ; but, though an Act was framed to this end, the careless and ungrateful monarch did not trouble to see it enforced. Between the confusion consequent on this state of affairs and the monopolies unjustly acquired by the Corporation, the town, once so opulent, was gradually falling into a state of ruin. A temporary check was given to its downward career when in 1686 the disabilities were removed from the Catholics by James II. Churches were repaired or rebuilt, many of the old families again returned to the Town, and again trade began to increase. This happy state of affairs was but temporary, however, for in 1689, on the deposition of James, the country was once more plunged into the horrors of civil war. Galway was the last of the Irish strongholds to fall, but fall it eventually did after a siege worthy of , the history of its defenders, and to conditions as honourable if not as satisfactory as the most complete victory. Once within the walls of a town, however, treaties did not much disturb the conscience of Ginckle; and Galway shared the unbappy fate of Limerick.

    Once again, despite the most solemn pledges of Ginckle, the Catholics were gradually dispossessed of their wealth, their houses, and sometimes even of their lives, and Galway had gone another step in her downward career.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Galway, the city carries a story that begins in 1660. When Charles II was restored to the throne, the old inhabitants who had survived and suffered in his cause came back to the town. They expected to be reinstated in the properties the Cromwellians had taken from them. An Act was framed to this end, but the monarch did not trouble to see it enforced. Between the confusion that followed and the monopolies unjustly acquired by the Corporation, the town, once so opulent, gradually fell into ruin. A temporary check came in 1686, when James II removed the disabilities from the Catholics. Churches were repaired or rebuilt, many of the old families returned, and trade began to increase again. This happy state was short-lived. In 1689, on the deposition of James, the country was plunged once more into civil war. Galway was the last of the Irish strongholds to fall, but it did fall, after a siege worthy of the history of its defenders, and to conditions as honourable, if not as satisfactory, as the most complete victory. Once within the walls, however, treaties did not much disturb the conscience of Ginckle, and Galway shared the unhappy fate of Limerick. Despite the most solemn pledges of Ginckle, the Catholics were gradually dispossessed of their wealth, their houses, and sometimes even of their lives, and Galway had gone another step in her downward career.

20. Sheriffs search the Augustine Nunnery in Middle Street, 1731

    Middle Street · street · Galway · 1731

    In 1731 the Mayor reported that the Sheriffs had searched the reputed Augustine Nunnery in Middle Street and found none but servants there, though ten beds in seven rooms suggested the nuns had recently been resident. The nuns briefly fled but returned after a few months when the persecution subsided.

    Read the passage

    " That the Sheriffs searched the reputed Nunnery in Middle St., called the Augustine Nunnery, and had found none but servants therein ; but discovered in seven rooms ten beds, in which it was apprehended the reputed Nuns lay before their dispersion."

    Of course during the painful persecution which occurred in the same year as the Sheriffs made the visitation, the Nuns were compelled to leave the Convent and seek refuge amongst their friends ; but the flight on this occasion was brief, for the persecution though fierce was of short duration, and after a few months they were allowed to return to their Convent. From this time the Sisters were allowed to live in peace, and like the Nuns of St. Francis and St. Dominick, were very much admired and respected by the people of Galway.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Middle Street, in 1731, the Sheriffs searched the reputed Augustine Nunnery. They found none but servants inside. But in seven rooms they discovered ten beds, in which, it was apprehended, the reputed nuns lay before their dispersion. The nuns had been compelled to leave the convent and seek refuge amongst their friends during the persecution of that same year. The flight was brief. The persecution, though fierce, was of short duration, and after a few months they were allowed to return to their convent. From this time the sisters were allowed to live in peace, and like the nuns of St. Francis and St. Dominick, were very much admired and respected by the people of Galway.

21. Augustinian Friars forced within Galway walls after confiscation

    Galway · city · Galway

    After their abbey lands were confiscated, the dispossessed Augustinian friars were compelled to relocate within the walls of Galway city, where they continued under many privations.

    Read the passage

    The lands and possessions of the Abbey, which were considerable, were soon after confiscated, and the despoiled Brethren were obliged to remove within the walls, where they have ever since continued under many privations. It appears, from the evidence still extant, that they urged their claim on the former Corporation, particularly during the disastrous period of James the Second's visit to Ireland, that it was fully recognised, and would have been honourably satisfied, but for the political changes which soon after took place. The Friars were soon after doomed to undergo unparalleled scenes of persecution, extending to transportation, imprisonment, and even death, in case of return. There now lies before me an original licence of leave to remain in the Kingdom, granted to Dorninick Martyn, an Augustinian Friar of Gal way, who is described in his petition as "a poore olde man of three score and nine years, and full of infirmitie." He was ordered, however, to enter into " good securitie by recognizance" for £200 to keep the peace, &c. And.so important an " act of state" was this licence considered at the time, that it bears the signatures of no less than eleven members of the Privy Council, with that of the Earl of Ormond, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Numerous scenes of petty tyranny and persecution occurred about tbis period in Galway. Out of the many instances, I shall select a single example, which will sufficiently show the temper of the times. In the year 1715, Robert Blakeny, Mayor of Galway, communicated to the Lords Justices that he had " turned all the Papists out of the town, except about twenty merchants, from whom I took security." (Original letter). Now, it was evident that those were not the times whereas to expect, nor were such the men to grant, the fulfilment of the old Corporation "Common Scale" passed on behalf of the Augustinian Friars. But happily those days are passed, other times have arrived, and other men have arisen, from whom that act of justice may be reasonably anticipated.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 14

22. Demon ships in Galway Bay, fortress destroyed by fire

    near Galway Bay · bay · Clare · 1161

    In the year 1161, demon ships were seen in the bay of Gaillimh sailing against the wind, and the following day the fortress was destroyed by fire. The disaster was speedily remedied by the local inhabitants.

    Read the passage

    castle of the Gaillimh was erected by the Connaughtmen in the year 1124. It was not long before this castle received its baptism of blood ; for in the year 1125, we learn from the same authority, that the two sons of Aginceslis un h-Eidhen were slain here in treachery. The history of Galway for the five succeeding decades is little more than a series of fierce combats waged about this castle, which was destroyed and rebuilt over and over again. In the year 1161 " Demon ships were seen in the bay of Gaillimh, and they sailing against the wind. The fortress the day following was destroved by fire."* Such an event, however, as the burning of a town was a matter of small moment with the Irish of the twelfth century. The disaster was speedily remedied, and the slight amply repaid for, when another swing of the pendulum of fate put into their hands the means of inflicting a similar blow upon their victorious opponents.

    ' The year 1171, however, was a year big with fate for Galway and the Irish people, when Eichard, Earl of Strongbow, with 4,000 men landed at Waterford, accompanied by William Fitzandelm De Burgo, whose name throughout the succeeding centuries was so intimately connected with Connaught and the Galway people.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 21

23. William Burke treacherously imprisoned at Gaillimh

    Galway · city · Galway

    According to the Annals of Lough Ce, William Burke, son of the Earl of Clanricard, went to Gaillimh to make peace with the Foreigners under the guarantee of the Mayor and Town. William Og Martin and soldiers acted treacherously, hanging nine of Burke's people and imprisoning him despite the Mayor's engagement.

    Read the passage

    A very vivid account of the affairs of Galway during this period may be obtained from the Annals of Lough Ce. Thus we read of the year 1230—" The Kalends of January on Tuesday, a bisextile year, and the 13th of the moon MCCXXX, Aedh, the son of Ruaidhri and the Connacht men, also turned against the son of William (i.e., Richard De Burgo), and against the foreigners, through the persuasion of Dun Og, son of Duncarthaigh Mac Auechtaigh, and of Cormac, son of Tomaltach Mac Diarmada of the Rock, and his favourites ; for they had pledged their words they would not belong to any king who would bring them into the house of the foreigners. They committed, moreover, great deprivations upon the fereigners, viz. : Aedh, son of Ruaidhir, and the men of Connacht plundered the young son of William. . . . The son of William, however, assembled the greater part of the Foreigners of Erinn and many Gaeidhal, and came into Connaught accompanied by Felim, son of Cathal Crobhderg, to give him the sovereignty of Connaught and to expel Aedh. They proceeded at first to the Castle of Bun Gaillimh to Aedh O'Flaithbhertaigh. Then Aedh, son of Ruaidhri, went to assist Aedh O'Flaithbhertaigh, and the Connaughtmen were on the west side of the Gaillmh and the Foreigners on the east side, and great conflicts occurred between them every day." Later we are told by the same authority — " The Earl of Clanricard's son, i.e., William Burke, went to Gaillimh to make peace with the Foreigners on the engagement or guarantee of the Mayor and of the Town besides. And there was within before him a perpetrator of injury and destruction upon fhe Clanricardes, i e., William Og Martin, and two bands of soldiers along with him, and after the Earl's son went in, William Martin and the soldiers acted treacherously towards him, and 9 of his people were hanged, and he himself was put in prison, in despite of the Mayor and of the Town, and not long after that the Earl's son and the son of Donnchadh O'Briain were hung."

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 22

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you through Galway, the old Annals of Lough Ce hold a grim story from this city. The year was 1230. Aedh, son of Ruaidhri, and the men of Connacht turned against the son of William, Richard De Burgo, and against the Foreigners, persuaded by Dun Og, son of Duncarthaigh Mac Auechtaigh, and Cormac, son of Tomaltach Mac Diarmada of the Rock. Aedh and the Connachtmen plundered the young son of William. But the son of William gathered the greater part of the Foreigners of Erinn and many Gaedhil, and came into Connacht with Felim, son of Cathal Crobhderg, to give him the sovereignty of Connacht and to expel Aedh. They went first to the Castle of Bun Gaillimh to Aedh O'Flaithbhertaigh. Aedh, son of Ruaidhri, came to assist him. The Connaughtmen stood on the west side of Gaillimh and the Foreigners on the east side, and great conflicts occurred between them every day. Then the Annals tell of William Burke, the Earl of Clanricard's son. He went to Gaillimh to make peace with the Foreigners, under the guarantee of the Mayor and the Town. But within the city before him was William Og Martin, a perpetrator of injury and destruction upon the Clanricardes, with two bands of soldiers. After the Earl's son went in, William Martin and the soldiers acted treacherously towards him. Nine of his people were hanged. He himself was put in prison, in despite of the Mayor and of the Town. And not long after that, the Annals say, the Earl's son and the son of Donnchadh O'Briain were hung.

24. Charles II proclaimed in Galway; city pledged as loan security

    Galway · city · Galway · 1649–1651

    Following Charles I's execution in 1649, Galway immediately proclaimed Charles II as successor. In 1651, Galway was pledged as security for a loan to fund opposition to the Parliamentarians in Ireland, prompting the creation of a detailed map of the city.

    Read the passage

    In 1649 the head of the weak and worthless Charles fell upon the block. The moment the news reached the town his successor Charles II. was proclaimed with all due solemnity, and when in 1651 it became necessary to raise money to oppose the Parliamentarians in Ireland, Galway was given as part security for the loan. For this purpose a map was prepared which, after the Restoration, was finished and emblazoned by the Rev. Henry Joyce, then Warder. Hardimau, whose copy of this map we reproduce, gives the following succinct and interestihg description of it :—

    " This curious document, of which there are but two copies now known, with certainty, to be extant, is composed of nine separate sheets, and is six feet six inches broad, and four feet six inches high. It is surrounded by a border four inches deep. The top margin is headed by the following inscription : — ' 1. Preludium operis. Heri hodie et in secula. 2. Totius laboris oblatio. Domino consecratur monarchia.' It contains four circular equestrian engravings of Charles II. — one in each corner, and two others at equal distance. Round the first is the inscription : — ' Carolo II., Dei gratia magnse Britaniae Regno rum et Franciae, Regi., Round the second — 'Carolo II., Dei gratia majoris Scotiae regnorum et Hibernorum omnium, regi.' Round the third — ' Carolo II., Dei gratia locorum seu regionum quarumdam, in mundo et meridie regi;' and round the fourth — ' Carolus II., Dei gratia Angliae, Scotiae, Franciae et Hiberniee, Rex.'

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 31

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the city carries a story from the years 1649 to 1651. When Charles I was executed in 1649, Galway immediately proclaimed his successor, Charles II, with all due solemnity. The news had barely reached the town before the proclamation was made. Then in 1651, money was needed to oppose the Parliamentarians in Ireland, and Galway itself was given as part security for the loan. That pledge prompted the creation of a detailed map of the city. After the Restoration, the map was finished and emblazoned by the Reverend Henry Joyce, then Warder. Hardiman, whose copy of the map survives, describes it as a curious document. There are but two copies known to be extant. It is composed of nine separate sheets, six feet six inches broad and four feet six inches high, with a border four inches deep. The top margin carries an inscription in Latin. The map bears six circular equestrian engravings of Charles II, one in each corner and two others at equal distance. Each carries a Latin inscription dedicating the map to him as king.

25. Galway town prison described as adjacent to merchant's house

    Galway · city · Galway

    The strong prison of Galway town stood immediately next to the house of the merchant family of Walter, the young murderer. His mother and sister witnessed his approach as a prisoner, bare-headed, pale, bound, and surrounded by spears, as the procession moved through the town.

    Read the passage

    whom, with shame and terror, he beheld his father on horseback, attended by several officers of justice and a military guard. On finding the body of the Spaniard, it was evident that he was killed by a dagger which was found near him, his own being unsheathed by his side, and suspicion had also arisen that his assassin must have retreated towards the wood, as a white hat, ornamented with feathers, had been found by some fishermen floating near the shore, as if blown from the road leading in that direction ; while the velvet bonnet, which the person slain had worn, lay beside the body. Had the unhappy criminal wished to conceal the fact, his disturbed appearance alone would have betrayed him ; but with perfect consistency, though in broken accents, he proclaimed himself the murderer, declared his contrition and remorse for the enormity to which frenzy had impelled him, and, imploring pardon of heaven, desired to be conducted to prison. His disconsolate parent, oppressed by a weight of amazement and affliction, could scarcely preserve his equanimity, though a man of almost unexampled firmness. He foresaw the dreadful consequences of complying with his frantic son's demand, and that, should he shrink from his duty, public disgrace awaited himself. As mayor, he had the power of life and death, and he remembered that already, in the case of another, he had used the authority given him with rigid severity. But, though he perceived that calamity must now overwhelm him and his race, he sacrificed all personal considerations to his love of justice, and ordered the guard to secure their prisoner. The command was reluctantly obeyed, and the mournful procession moved back to the town, penetrating with difficulty the immense crowds of people, whom, by this time, curiosity had brought out. A more extraordinary scene has seldom been witnessed. Surprise, compassion, and horror were discernible in the countenance of all. While some expressed admiration and pity for their upright magistrate, many of the lower classes, feeling commiseration for the fate of their favourite youth, filled the air with lamentations and sighs. The uproar alone would have told the sad intelligence to the merchant's family ; but they were doomed to a still greater shock than what general rumour could give, for the strong prison of the town lay immediately next to their own house, and the mother and sister of the wretched Walter were spectators of his approach, bareheaded, pale, bound, and surrounded with spears. Their outcries and faintings added to the most terrific trial of the father's fortitude. But such moments are really the test of virtue ; the ordi-

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 26

    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes through Galway, you are near the site of the old town prison, which stood immediately next to the house of the merchant family of Walter. A Spaniard had been killed by a dagger found near him, his own blade unsheathed at his side. Suspicion fell on someone who had retreated towards the wood, because fishermen found a white hat ornamented with feathers floating near the shore, as if blown from the road in that direction. Walter's father, the mayor of Galway, came on horseback attended by officers of justice and a military guard. Walter, with shame and terror, proclaimed himself the murderer, declared his contrition and remorse, and asked to be conducted to prison. His father, a man of almost unexampled firmness, foresaw the dreadful consequences. As mayor he had the power of life and death, and had already used that authority with rigid severity in the case of another. He saw that calamity must now overwhelm him and his race, but he sacrificed all personal considerations to his love of justice, and ordered the guard to secure their prisoner. The command was reluctantly obeyed. The mournful procession moved back to the town, penetrating with difficulty the immense crowds that curiosity had brought out. Many of the lower classes, feeling pity for their favourite youth, filled the air with lamentations and sighs. The uproar alone would have told the sad intelligence to the merchant's family. But the strong prison of the town lay immediately next to their own house, and the mother and sister of Walter were spectators of his approach, bare-headed, pale, bound, and surrounded with spears. Their outcries and faintings added to the most terrific trial of the father's fortitude.

26. James Lynch Fitzstephens and Galway's Spanish trade, 1493

    Galway · city · Galway · 1493

    James Lynch Fitzstephens, an opulent merchant and mayor of Galway in 1493, maintained a regular and friendly commercial intercourse between Galway and several parts of Spain. He brought a young Spaniard named Gomez from Cadiz to Galway, introducing him to his family as a companion for his son Walter.

    Read the passage

    " James Lynch Fitzstephens, an opulent merchant, and one of the principal inhabitants of Galway, was mayor in 1493, at which time a regular and friendly intercourse subsisted between the town and several parts of Spain. This mayor, who from his youth had been distinguished for public spirit, had, from commercial motives, on all occasions encouraged an intercourse that proved so lucrative as well to his townsmen as to the Spaniards; and in order to more firmly establish the connexion between them, he himself went on a voyage to Spain, and was received, when at Cadiz, at the house of a rich and respectable merchant, of the name of Gomez, with the utmost hospitality, and with every mark of esteem suitable to his high reputation and to the liberality of his entertainer. Upon his departure for his own country, out of a wish to make some grateful return for the numerous civilities he had received from the Spaniards, he requested of him, as a particular favor, to allow his son. a youth of nineteen, to accompany him to Ireland, promising to take parental care of him during his stay, and to provide for his being safely restored to his friends whenever he desired to return. Yonng Gomez, who was the pride of his parents and relations, was rejoiced at this agreeable opportunity of seeing the world, and the merchant's request was grate-

    50 THE GAILL1V.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 25

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this city in 1493 was a place of regular and friendly trade with several parts of Spain, and the man overseeing it that year as mayor was James Lynch Fitzstephens, an opulent merchant and one of the principal inhabitants of the town. From his youth he had been distinguished for public spirit, and he had always encouraged this intercourse from commercial motives, because it proved lucrative both to his townsmen and to the Spaniards. To more firmly establish the connection between them, he himself went on a voyage to Spain. When at Cadiz he was received at the house of a rich and respectable merchant named Gomez, with the utmost hospitality and every mark of esteem suitable to his high reputation and to the liberality of his entertainer. Upon his departure for his own country, out of a wish to make some grateful return for the numerous civilities he had received from the Spaniards, he requested of Gomez, as a particular favor, to allow his son, a youth of nineteen, to accompany him to Ireland. He promised to take parental care of the young man during his stay and to provide for his being safely restored to his friends whenever he desired to return. Young Gomez, who was the pride of his parents and relations, was rejoiced at this agreeable opportunity of seeing the world, and the merchant's request was gratefully granted.

27. Mortgage of church plate for Galway church reparation, 1546

    Galway · city · Galway · 1546

    In 1546, with the assent of Mayor Stephen Lynch and others, church plate including a great silver cross, sconces, chalices, and a pyx was pledged to James Lynch FitzRichard for £60 to fund glass, lead, wax, brass lectern and brick for the reparation of the church in Galway.

    Read the passage

    and assent of Mr. Stephen Lynch, Mayor, and others, the good men of the said town, have given and conceeded to James Lynch FitzRichard, of the same town, merchant, the great cross of silver, two sconces of silver, two candles or taper sticks of silver, a pyx for the sacrament, with four chalices of silver appertaining to the said Church, to guage or pledge for three score pounds sterling, which the said James employed and bestowed in glass, lead, wax candlesticks, and lectern of brass, and certain brick, being very necessary and needful for the reparation and usage of the said Church — to have and to hold all the said jewels, silver, or plate aforesaid, and every parcel thereof, to the said James Lynch, his heirs and assigns, for ever, to such time he or they shall be paid in the said three score pounds sterling, with this condition — that at any time we, the said proctors or others for the time being proctors, shall or do pay, or cause to be paid, to the said James, his heirs, or executors, the said three score pounds sterling ; that then this writing be void and of no effect, and the said jewels and all and every parcel thereof to return to the service and usage of the said Church in former state, this writing in everything notwithstanding. In witness whereof we caused our mayoralty seal of the said town to be set hereto, with our sign manual, the 20th of November, the 28th year of the most prosperous reign of our Sovereign, Lord Henry the Eighth, 1546. — Thomas Kirwan, Proctor."

    LOUGH COBBIB — ITS ANCIENT NAME.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 41

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, there is a story from this city that goes back to 1546. In November of that year, the men of the town, with the assent of Mayor Stephen Lynch, pledged the church's silver to one of their own merchants, James Lynch FitzRichard, for sixty pounds sterling. The plate was considerable. A great silver cross, two silver sconces, two silver candle or taper sticks, a pyx for the sacrament, and four silver chalices. All of it handed over to James to gauge or pledge, and the sixty pounds he raised he spent on the church itself. Glass, lead, wax, candlesticks, a lectern of brass, and brick, all described as necessary and needful for the reparation and usage of the church. The agreement gave James and his heirs the plate forever, until such time as the proctors of the church repaid the sixty pounds. Then the writing would be void, and every parcel of silver would return to the service of the church in its former state. Thomas Kirwan, Proctor, set his hand to it. The mayoralty seal of the town was fixed to the document on the 20th of November, in the 28th year of the reign of Henry the Eighth. Sixty pounds in 1546, and the cross and chalices and pyx held as surety by a Galway merchant until the debt was cleared.

28. Orrell Lever's harbour improvements, 1845

    Eyre Square · street · Galway · 1845

    In 1845, largely through the energy of the member for the town Mr. Orrell Lever, improvements were made to Galway harbour, the channel cleared, a line of steam packets established, and a huge hotel built on Eyre Square. The scheme failed after a vessel burnt and another ran upon a rock in the bay.

    Read the passage

    A very ambitious effort was made in 1845, largely through the energy of the member for the town, Mr. Orrell Lever, to make the port a really representative one. Improvements were made in the harbour, the channel cleared, a line of steam packets established, and a huge hotel built to meet the expeced demands. The hopes built upon this scheme were soon dashed to the ground, and swift and sure came the fate of their unhappy enterprise. One vessel was burnt across the Atlantic, another ran upon a rock in the bay, rumours of foul play were rife, the Company was swamped, and in a short time nothing was left of the scheme except the great stone building which now dominates Eyre Square. The milling industry at this time was very large, the wheat being imported from all parts of the world and distributed throughout Ireland. However, with the advent of roller mills, and the consequent cheapening of the grinding processes, foreign exporters found it more economical to export the flour than the unground grain, the bulk occupied being scarcely more than one-fourth, and the mills closed one by one. A jute factory was established in the seventies, and paid for a time, but foreign competition and home railway rates proved too much for it, and it was forced to close its doors.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    On this street, Eyre Square, stands a great stone building, all that remains of an ambitious scheme from 1845. That year, largely through the energy of the member for the town, Orrell Lever, an effort was made to make the port a really representative one. Improvements were made in the harbour, the channel cleared, a line of steam packets established, and a huge hotel built to meet the expected demands. The hopes built upon this scheme were soon dashed. Swift and sure came the fate of their unhappy enterprise. One vessel was burnt across the Atlantic, another ran upon a rock in the bay. Rumours of foul play were rife. The Company was swamped, and in a short time nothing remained of the scheme except the great stone building which dominates Eyre Square. The milling industry at this time was very large. Wheat was imported from all parts of the world and distributed throughout Ireland. With the advent of roller mills and the consequent cheapening of grinding, foreign exporters found it more economical to export flour than unground grain, the bulk scarcely more than one-fourth, and the mills closed one by one. A jute factory established in the seventies paid for a time, but foreign competition and home railway rates proved too much, and it closed its doors.

29. Conflict at Castle of Bun Gaillimh between Connachtmen and Foreigners (1230)

    Galway · city · Galway · 1230

    According to the Annals of Lough Ce, in 1230 the forces of Aedh son of Ruaidhri proceeded to the Castle of Bun Gaillimh to assist Aedh O'Flaithbhertaigh. The Connaughtmen were positioned on the west side of the Gaillimh and the Foreigners on the east, with great conflicts occurring daily.

    Read the passage

    A very vivid account of the affairs of Galway during this period may be obtained from the Annals of Lough Ce. Thus we read of the year 1230—" The Kalends of January on Tuesday, a bisextile year, and the 13th of the moon MCCXXX, Aedh, the son of Ruaidhri and the Connacht men, also turned against the son of William (i.e., Richard De Burgo), and against the foreigners, through the persuasion of Dun Og, son of Duncarthaigh Mac Auechtaigh, and of Cormac, son of Tomaltach Mac Diarmada of the Rock, and his favourites ; for they had pledged their words they would not belong to any king who would bring them into the house of the foreigners. They committed, moreover, great deprivations upon the fereigners, viz. : Aedh, son of Ruaidhir, and the men of Connacht plundered the young son of William. . . . The son of William, however, assembled the greater part of the Foreigners of Erinn and many Gaeidhal, and came into Connaught accompanied by Felim, son of Cathal Crobhderg, to give him the sovereignty of Connaught and to expel Aedh. They proceeded at first to the Castle of Bun Gaillimh to Aedh O'Flaithbhertaigh. Then Aedh, son of Ruaidhri, went to assist Aedh O'Flaithbhertaigh, and the Connaughtmen were on the west side of the Gaillmh and the Foreigners on the east side, and great conflicts occurred between them every day." Later we are told by the same authority — " The Earl of Clanricard's son, i.e., William Burke, went to Gaillimh to make peace with the Foreigners on the engagement or guarantee of the Mayor and of the Town besides. And there was within before him a perpetrator of injury and destruction upon fhe Clanricardes, i e., William Og Martin, and two bands of soldiers along with him, and after the Earl's son went in, William Martin and the soldiers acted treacherously towards him, and 9 of his people were hanged, and he himself was put in prison, in despite of the Mayor and of the Town, and not long after that the Earl's son and the son of Donnchadh O'Briain were hung."

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 22

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the city holds a story from the Annals of Lough Ce. In 1230, Aedh, son of Ruaidhri, and the Connacht men turned against the son of William, that is Richard De Burgo, and against the foreigners. This came through the persuasion of Dun Og, son of Duncarthhaigh Mac Auechtaigh, and Cormac, son of Tomaltach Mac Diarmada of the Rock, and his favourites. They had pledged their words they would not belong to any king who would bring them into the house of the foreigners. Aedh and the men of Connacht plundered the young son of William. The son of William assembled the greater part of the Foreigners of Erinn and many Gaeidhal, and came into Connaught accompanied by Felim, son of Cathal Crobhderg, to give him the sovereignty of Connaught and to expel Aedh. They proceeded first to the Castle of Bun Gaillimh, to Aedh O'Flaithbhertaigh. Aedh, son of Ruaidhri, went to assist him. The Connaughtmen took the west side of the Gaillimh and the Foreigners the east side, and great conflicts occurred between them every day. Later, William Burke, the Earl of Clanricard's son, went to Gaillimh to make peace with the Foreigners, on the guarantee of the Mayor and the Town. Within before him was William Og Martin, a perpetrator of injury upon the Clanricardes, with two bands of soldiers. After the Earl's son went in, William Martin and the soldiers acted treacherously. Nine of his people were hanged, and he himself was put in prison, in despite of the Mayor and the Town. Not long after, the Earl's son and the son of Donnchadh O'Briain were hung.

30. Extinction of the Augustinian Nunnery in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1833–1850

    The Augustinian Nunnery community in Galway gradually declined from 1833, when five sisters remained, to 1842, when only Sister Elenor Conaughton and Sister Margaret Kelly were left. With their deaths around the middle of the nineteenth century, the last Augustinian Nuns in Ireland passed away and the community ended.

    Read the passage

    Sister Margaret Kelly. A few years later (1835) the number is reduced to four ; then in 1837 to three ; and finally in 1842 the names of Sister Elenor Conaughton and Sister Margaret Kelly are the only two which appear in the books. These were the two last Augustinian Nuns in Ireland ; and with the close of their lives, which took place about the middle ef the last century, we must close the history of the Augustinian Nunnery in Galway.

    • Note — For years before its extinction, the Community of Augustinian Nuns occupied an old Franciscan Convent in Market Street, being compelled to leave their own place in Middle Street, owing to the ruinous condition into which it had fallen.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 18

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are near where the last Augustinian nuns in Ireland lived and died. The community here had been declining for years. In 1833 five sisters remained. By 1835 the number was down to four. In 1837, three. And by 1842 only two names appeared in the books: Sister Elenor Conaughton and Sister Margaret Kelly. They were the last Augustinian nuns in the country. They died around the middle of the 19th century, and with them the history of the Augustinian Nunnery in Galway came to a close. For years before its extinction, the community had occupied an old Franciscan convent on Market Street, having been compelled to leave their own place on Middle Street because it had fallen into ruin.

31. Castle of the Gaillimh erected by the Connaughtmen

    Galway · city · Galway · 1124

    The castle of the Gaillimh was erected by the Connaughtmen in the year 1124. For the five succeeding decades, Galway's history was a series of fierce combats waged about this castle, which was destroyed and rebuilt over and over again.

    Read the passage

    castle of the Gaillimh was erected by the Connaughtmen in the year 1124. It was not long before this castle received its baptism of blood ; for in the year 1125, we learn from the same authority, that the two sons of Aginceslis un h-Eidhen were slain here in treachery. The history of Galway for the five succeeding decades is little more than a series of fierce combats waged about this castle, which was destroyed and rebuilt over and over again. In the year 1161 " Demon ships were seen in the bay of Gaillimh, and they sailing against the wind. The fortress the day following was destroved by fire."* Such an event, however, as the burning of a town was a matter of small moment with the Irish of the twelfth century. The disaster was speedily remedied, and the slight amply repaid for, when another swing of the pendulum of fate put into their hands the means of inflicting a similar blow upon their victorious opponents.

    ' The year 1171, however, was a year big with fate for Galway and the Irish people, when Eichard, Earl of Strongbow, with 4,000 men landed at Waterford, accompanied by William Fitzandelm De Burgo, whose name throughout the succeeding centuries was so intimately connected with Connaught and the Galway people.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 21

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the city carries the mark of a castle the Connaughtmen built in 1124. It did not stay quiet for long. In 1125, the two sons of Aginceslis un h-Eidhen were slain there in treachery. For the five decades that followed, Galway's history was little more than a series of fierce combats fought around that castle, which was destroyed and rebuilt over and over again. In 1161, "demon ships were seen in the bay of Gaillimh, and they sailing against the wind. The fortress the day following was destroyed by fire." But the burning of a town was a small matter to the Irish of the twelfth century. The disaster was speedily remedied, and the slight amply repaid for, when another swing of the pendulum of fate gave them the means to inflict a similar blow on their victorious opponents. The year 1171, however, was big with fate for Galway and the Irish people. Richard, Earl of Strongbow, with 4,000 men, landed at Waterford, accompanied by William Fitzandelm De Burgo, whose name through the succeeding centuries would be intimately connected with Connaught and the Galway people.

32. Famous school of Alexander Lynch in Galway, 1608

    Galway · city · Galway · 1608

    In 1608 a famous school containing 1,200 scholars was kept in Galway by Alexander Lynch. Among its distinguished pupils were MacFirbis the antiquary, O'Flaherty author of the 'Ogygia', Patrick D'Arcy, Dr. Kirwan Bishop of Killala, and the illustrious Dr. Lynch who became Archbishop of Tuam.

    Read the passage

    " A.D. 1608. At this period there was a famous school containing 1200 (twelve hundred) scholars kept in Galway by Alexander Lynch. This Lynch was a famous scholar, but his son, the illustrious author of the ' Cambrensis Eversus,' made a name that will live long in our history. He was Archbishop of Tuam, and died in France in 1715, bequeathing £25 a year towards the support of Galway students in Paris, where his bust was seen (according to a writer fifty years ago) in St. Paul's Church, and also a full-length portrait in the Irish College, painted in the old style, and representing the prelate with a long flowing beard, as was then the custom. Dr. Lynch was educated in Galway, and along with him in those years were other distinguished men in their varied walks of life, the most noted being MacFirbis, the antiquary of Lecane in this county, and also O'Flaherty, the author of the ' Ogygia.' At the ancient school of St. Nicholas were educated these men, and also Patrick D'Arcy, a celebrated lawyer, Dr. Kirwan, Bishop of Killala, Peter Trench and others. Dr. Lynch and O'Flaherty had frequent correspondence together, and one of the letters is dated ' Ex Armorica Galviensi, 18 September. Sabbato 4 Temporum, 1665.'"

    A CURIOUS OLD DOCUMENT A MORTGAGE OF THE SERVICE OF A

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 40

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Galway, this city had a famous school in 1608, kept by Alexander Lynch, with 1200 scholars. Alexander Lynch was himself a famous scholar, but his son made a name that would live long in history. That son wrote the 'Cambrensis Eversus,' became Archbishop of Tuam, and died in France in 1715. He left £25 a year to support Galway students in Paris. Fifty years ago a writer said you could see his bust in St. Paul's Church there, and a full-length portrait in the Irish College, painted in the old style, showing the prelate with a long flowing beard, as was the custom then. At the ancient school of St. Nicholas in Galway, these men were educated: Dr. Lynch himself, and along with him MacFirbis, the antiquary of Lecane in this county, and O'Flaherty, the author of the 'Ogygia.' Also Patrick D'Arcy, a celebrated lawyer, Dr. Kirwan, Bishop of Killala, Peter Trench, and others. Dr. Lynch and O'Flaherty corresponded often. One of their letters is dated 'Ex Armorica Galviensi, 18 September, Sabbato 4 Temporum, 1665.'

33. Hardiman's 1820 description of Galway's three nunneries

    Galway · city · Galway · 1820

    Writing in 1820, Hardiman described the three ancient nunneries of Galway — Franciscan, Dominican, and Augustinian — as large, roomy buildings in convenient parts of the town, each with handsome chapels adorned with fine paintings where Mass was daily celebrated. The Augustinian community then numbered six or seven professed nuns.

    Read the passage

    " The Conveut of the Franciscan Nuns is under the guidance of an Abbess, and those of the Dominicans and Augustinians under Prioresses, chosen triennally, each of whom, for the time being, has the general superintendence of all affairs relating to their respective communities. These Nunneries, which are large and roomy buildings, are situate in convenient parts of the town, and are the same wherein the Nuns nave resided for upwards of a century. The funds of the three Orders are considerable, and amply sufficient to supply them with every convenience of life. They are gradually increased by the sums paid on the entrance of ladies into the Eeligious state, usually about three or four hundred pounds, and often considerably more. These sums are placed out at interest ; and the expenses of the community being in general defrayed out of the growing interest, aided by the annual income arising from female boarders, and other incidental resources, the principal sums are but seldom, and never except; on extraordinary emergencies, resorted to. These ladies being, for the most part, related to respectable Catholic families, often receive yearly allowances or annuities from their friends, which enable them to perform many private acts of charity and benevolence. To the three Nunneries are attached handsome and commodious chapels, which are adorned with several fine paintings, and in each of which Mass is daily celebrated by the chaplains of the different Orders. These chapels are also very convenient for the inhabitants of the town, particularly the female part of the community, by whom they are principally resorted. The number of the professed Nuns of the Franciscan Order is at present about eighteen, of the Dominican fourteen or fifteen, and of the Augustinian six or seven ; of whom it is not too much to say, that they are as respectable, venerable and exemplary a body of Religious females as any other, of the same extent, in the world."

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the town Hardiman described in 1820 held three ancient nunneries, Franciscan, Dominican, and Augustinian, each a large, roomy building standing in a convenient part of the town. The same buildings had housed the nuns for upwards of a century. The Franciscan house was under an Abbess, while the Dominican and Augustinian houses were each under a Prioress, chosen every three years, with full charge of all community affairs. The funds of the three orders were considerable. Ladies entering the religious state usually paid about 300 or 400 pounds, often more, and these sums were placed at interest. The community's expenses were generally met from the growing interest, aided by yearly income from female boarders and other sources, so the principal sums were seldom touched except in extraordinary emergencies. Most of these ladies were related to respectable Catholic families and often received yearly allowances from their friends, which let them perform many private acts of charity. Each of the three nunneries had a handsome, commodious chapel, adorned with fine paintings, where Mass was celebrated daily by the chaplains of the different orders. These chapels served the townspeople too, particularly the women, who resorted to them principally. As for numbers, the Franciscan community had about 18 professed nuns, the Dominican 14 or 15, and the Augustinian 6 or 7. Hardiman wrote that they were, in his words, as respectable, venerable and exemplary a body of Religious females as any other, of the same extent, in the world.

34. Hugh O'Flaherty fortifies Galway castle, besieged by Richard de Burgo (1230)

    Galway · city · Galway · 1230

    Upon Fedhlim's return from England, Hugh O'Flaherty declared in his favour and in 1230 fortified himself in the castle of Galway. Richard de Burgo besieged him on the east side of the river but was obliged to raise the siege after several ineffectual endeavours.

    Read the passage

    " About this time the town and castle of Galway (which the reader was necessarily obliged so long to lose sight of) became of importance to the parties contending for the sovereignty of Connaught. After the invasion in 1170, the castle was strongly fortified, and the town was put into a state of defence. It then consisted of a small community, composed of a few families of fishermen and merchants (many of whose names have been already given in the first chapter), and was principally under the protection of the O'Flahertys, who held the castle and surrounding territory as feudal lords from the kings of Connaught Upon the return of Fedhlim from England, Hugh O'Flaherty, chief of his name, declared in his favour, and in 1230 fortified himself in the castle of Galway. He was besieged on the east side of the river by Richard de Burgo. After several ineffectual endeavours to take the castle, he w7as obliged to raise the siege. Irritated at the spirited resistance of Fedhlim and his adherents, he at length summoned all his forces, and in 1232 succeeded in driving that unfortunate prince from the province, and, continuing his success, he finally took him prisoner, and established Hugh O'Conor in his place. The town and castle of Galwray on this occasion fell into his hands, and having then discovered the great importance of the place, he in the same year built several considerable additions to the castle. Fedhlim having immediately after regained his liberty and kingdom by the death of Hugh, which took place in 1233, laid siege to Galway, and having succeeded in taking the castle, he demolished all the works ; but his powerful antagonist, Richard de Burgo, soon after recovered the town, and thenceforth it became the principal residence of himself and his descendants, and finally the capital of the province, which it still continues to be. He then fortified it against the incursions of the Irish, and appointed a magistrate, who was indiscriminately called a provost or bailiff, and who governed the inhabitants by established laws. Fedhlim O'Conor preserved his ideal title, and with it a scanty remnant of the kingdom of his ancestors, until the year 1265, when he died, leaving his son Hugh to succeed him. The latter, on his accession, having asserted and supported his claims to the royal name and dignity, Walter de Burgo levied a body of forces and marched against him. Hugh, on his side, made every preparation to meet the foe, and a battle took place in which he was completely victorious. De Burgo did not long

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 22

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Galway, this was a prize contested for the sovereignty of Connaught. After the invasion in 1170, the castle was strongly fortified and the town put into a state of defence. A small community of fishermen and merchants lived here, under the protection of the O'Flahertys, who held the castle and territory as feudal lords from the kings of Connaught. Upon Fedhlim's return from England, Hugh O'Flaherty, chief of his name, declared in his favour and in 1230 fortified himself in the castle of Galway. Richard de Burgo besieged him on the east side of the river, but after several ineffectual endeavours to take the castle, was obliged to raise the siege. Irritated at the spirited resistance, de Burgo summoned all his forces and in 1232 drove Fedhlim from the province, took him prisoner, and established Hugh O'Conor in his place. Galway fell into his hands. Recognising its importance, he built several considerable additions to the castle that year. Fedhlim regained liberty and kingdom by the death of Hugh in 1233. He laid siege to Galway, took the castle, and demolished all the works. But Richard de Burgo soon recovered the town, which became the principal residence of himself and his descendants, and finally the capital of the province. He fortified it against incursions of the Irish and appointed a magistrate, called a provost or bailiff, governing the inhabitants by established laws. Fedhlim O'Conor preserved his title and a scanty remnant of the kingdom until 1265, when he died, leaving his son Hugh. Hugh asserted his claims, and Walter de Burgo levied forces and marched against him. Hugh made every preparation, and in battle was completely victorious.

35. St. Nicholas' Church erected into collegiate by papal bull

    Galway · city · Galway · 1484

    In 1484, the townspeople of Galway petitioned Rome to confirm the erection of the Church of St. Nicholas into a collegiate church, governed by a warden and eight vicars following the English rite. The Pope granted the right of presentation of the warden and vicars to the mayor, bailiffs, and equals of the town.

    Read the passage

    country being thus effectually cut off, the townspeople completed their isolation by severing their religious connection with the diocese of Annaghmore. Having prevailed upon Donal O'Murray, Archbishop of Tuarn, to release the town from his jurisdiction, and to erect the Church of St. Nicholas into a collegiate, they sent a petition to Eome praying for confirmation of this step. Unhampered apparently by any feelings of false modesty, they described themselves in the petition as a " modest and civil people" interfered with in the exercise of their religion by the savage races of the neighbouring county. By a Bull dated 8th February, 1484, " the Pope confirmed and approved of erection of the Church of St. Nicholas into a collegiate, to be governed by a warden and eight vicars, who should be moral, well bred, and virtuous men, and who were to follow the English rite and custom in celebrating the mysteries of religion ; and he also granted the right of presentation of the warden and vicars to the chief magistrate or mayor, bailiffs and equals (pares) of the town for ever."

    That the Galwegians' personal estimate of their character was not very far astray, an incident which occurred in the year 1493 helps in no small degree to confirm. This is beautifully told in Hardiman's history : —

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 25

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is a city whose religious history took a sharp turn in 1484. The townspeople had already severed their connection with the diocese of Annaghmore. They prevailed upon Donal O'Murray, Archbishop of Tuarn, to release the town from his jurisdiction and to erect the Church of St. Nicholas into a collegiate. They then sent a petition to Rome praying for confirmation of this step. In that petition they described themselves as a "modest and civil people" who were interfered with in the exercise of their religion by the savage races of the neighbouring county. By a Bull dated 8th February, 1484, the Pope confirmed and approved the erection of the Church of St. Nicholas into a collegiate, to be governed by a warden and eight vicars. These men were to be moral, well bred, and virtuous, and were to follow the English rite and custom in celebrating the mysteries of religion. The Pope also granted the right of presentation of the warden and vicars to the chief magistrate or mayor, bailiffs, and equals of the town, for ever.

36. Breasail's castle and the early town on the Gaillimh

    Galway · city · Galway

    A little town existed from time immemorial on the banks of the river Gaillimh, over which frowned the castle of Breasail. The town's original name is unrecorded, though tradition calls it Ballinsruane.

    Read the passage

    On the bauks of the fateful river, over which frowned her father's castle, a little town had existed from time immemorial. What its name was then history recordeth not, though tradition calls it Ballinsruane. This or other such name might easily be forgotten or disregarded, but the striking fate of a branch of the lasting or mighty Breasail touched at once a responsive chord in the poetic hearts of the Connacht clans, and the name and story of Gaillimh was indelibly impressed upon their minds, and hence, as the town grew on the river's banks, it became known throughout the west as the town of the Gaillimh, or Gaillimh simply. In the mouths of the Norman settlers this became Galvia, and then by an easy transition was converted into its present name of Galway.

    The Claddagh of to-day cannot be very unlike, either in size or appearance, what Galway was in the days of its ill-fated sponsor, Gaillimh ; but, as the centuries rolled by, this little seaport grew into a busy, thriving city as far beyond the Galway of to-day as is the Galway of to-day beyond the little town of the days of Breasail — a city which, in commercial importance, yielded the palm to no other port throughout the length and breadth of Ireland, or even England, if we except the one solitary port of the metropolis.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 19

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are travelling the banks of a river whose name once belonged to a little town that stood here from time immemorial. Over that river frowned the castle of Breasail. What the town was first called, history does not record, though tradition names it Ballinsruane. That name might have been forgotten or disregarded, but the striking fate of a branch of the lasting Breasail touched at once a responsive chord in the poetic hearts of the Connacht clans, and the name and story of Gaillimh was indelibly impressed upon their minds. As the town grew on the river's banks, it became known throughout the west as the town of the Gaillimh, or Gaillimh simply. In the mouths of the Norman settlers this became Galvia, and then by an easy transition was converted into its present name of Galway. The Claddagh of today cannot be very unlike, either in size or appearance, what Galway was in the days of its ill-fated sponsor, Gaillimh. But as the centuries rolled by, this little seaport grew into a busy, thriving city that yielded to no other port throughout the length and breadth of Ireland, or even England, if we except the one solitary port of the metropolis.

37. Galway severs religious ties with diocese of Annaghdown

    Annaghdown · townland · Galway · 1484

    The townspeople of Galway completed their civic and religious isolation by severing their connection with the diocese of Annaghdown. They prevailed upon Donal O'Murray, Archbishop of Tuam, to release the town from his jurisdiction before petitioning Rome.

    Read the passage

    country being thus effectually cut off, the townspeople completed their isolation by severing their religious connection with the diocese of Annaghmore. Having prevailed upon Donal O'Murray, Archbishop of Tuarn, to release the town from his jurisdiction, and to erect the Church of St. Nicholas into a collegiate, they sent a petition to Eome praying for confirmation of this step. Unhampered apparently by any feelings of false modesty, they described themselves in the petition as a " modest and civil people" interfered with in the exercise of their religion by the savage races of the neighbouring county. By a Bull dated 8th February, 1484, " the Pope confirmed and approved of erection of the Church of St. Nicholas into a collegiate, to be governed by a warden and eight vicars, who should be moral, well bred, and virtuous men, and who were to follow the English rite and custom in celebrating the mysteries of religion ; and he also granted the right of presentation of the warden and vicars to the chief magistrate or mayor, bailiffs and equals (pares) of the town for ever."

    That the Galwegians' personal estimate of their character was not very far astray, an incident which occurred in the year 1493 helps in no small degree to confirm. This is beautifully told in Hardiman's history : —

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 25

38. Galway's Spanish courtyards and decay

    Galway · city · Galway

    Galway's former grandeur is visible in a few surviving quaintly-gabled houses and mansions amidst general decay. The text imagines the city walls enclosing Spanish-style courtyards with marble pavements, recalling the city's wealthy gentry.

    Read the passage

    On the banks of the Corrib river, and little way from the town, stands a pathetic fragment of Castledom, competing in its fall for a place in the picturesque with the decaying remains of a deserted mill. How long it seems since the proud De Burgos lorded it here with all the power of an Eastern potentate, independent alike of King or Parliament, while their fierce retainers held high wassail in its panelled chambers. From the castle of the De Burgos our fancy flies easily to the city, and sees the portcullis of the gate drop ; then out rides the mailed guard in gallant array to quell some rumoured attack of the O'Donnell or foray of the wild Connacht men. But it was not always war, and we may as easily picture within the city walls the Spanish courtyards of the

    40 THE GAILLIV.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, on the banks of the Corrib river, a fragment of Castledom stands near a deserted mill, both of them falling into ruin. It was not always like this. The De Burgos lorded it here with all the power of an Eastern potentate, independent alike of King or Parliament, while their fierce retainers held high wassail in its panelled chambers. From the castle of the De Burgos the mind flies easily to the city, and sees the portcullis of the gate drop. Then out rides the mailed guard in gallant array to quell some rumoured attack of the O'Donnell or foray of the wild Connacht men. But it was not always war, and within the city walls you may picture the Spanish courtyards of the old gentry, marble pavements underfoot, the wealth of Galway still faintly visible in a few surviving gabled houses amidst the general decay.

39. John Blake's will before voyage to Canary Isles, 1622

    Galway · city · Galway · 1622

    John Blake, son of Nicholas Blake of Galway, merchant, made his will on 10 October 1622 before departing by sea for the Canary Islands to trade in Canary wine. The will devised his lands to heirs male of his body and then to his brothers and Sir Valentine Blake.

    Read the passage

    " In the name of God, Amen. I, John Blake, son and heire to Nicholas Blake of Galway, merchant, being wholle as well of body and mynd, being ready to go to sea for the Canarries, aud doubteing whatt might happen, the tenth day of October in the year of our Lord God one thousand six bondredth and twenty-two, doe make my last will and testament in manner followeing." The voyage from Galway to the Canary Isles was a long and perilous one in those days ; but Canary wine was then in high repute, and the Galway merchants went to the fountain-head of it. The testator devised his lands to trustees upon trust for " the heires malles of my owne body. ... in tayle alwayes" : with remainders over to the testator's brothers, Martin, James, and Nicholas, successively in taile male ; with remainder to " Sir Vallentine Blake and to the heires malles of his body" : with remainder to " the heires malles lawfully begotten of Valentine Blake, grate-graunt-father to Sir Valentin and one of me comon ancestor." The testator afterwarde revoked this will, as appears by the following endoresment : —

    "I, John Blake, doe revocke the forsaid Will in all points whatsoever : the tenth of 9ber, 1830, John Blake fitzN."

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 39

    As the companion tells it

    Galway is where John Blake, son and heir of the merchant Nicholas Blake, sat down to write his will on the tenth of October 1622. He was about to sail for the Canary Islands to trade in Canary wine, a long and perilous voyage in those days. The wine was in high repute, and the merchants here went to the fountain-head of it. Blake said he was whole of body and mind, but doubting what might happen at sea, he made his last will and testament. He devised his lands to trustees for the heirs male of his own body, in tail always. If that line failed, the lands would go to his brothers Martin, James, and Nicholas, successively in tail male. After them, the remainder went to Sir Valentine Blake and the heirs male of his body, and then to the heirs male lawfully begotten of Valentine Blake, great-grandfather to Sir Valentine and one of his common ancestors. Blake later revoked this will. An endorsement reads: "I, John Blake, doe revocke the forsaid Will in all points whatsoever."

40. Forthill fortification built about the Augustinian Church, 1600

    Forthill · site · Donegal · 1600

    As the town of Galway faced constant excursions and alarms during the late sixteenth century, its defences were strengthened and several new fortifications built. The most important of these was the fortification of Forthill, built about the Augustinian Church in 1600.

    Read the passage

    inhabitants were compelled to conform more or less rigidly, so far as outward appearances went, to the practises of the reformed church. The exceptional prosperity which the town had enjoyed for nearly a century now received its first check. In the year 1569 one Sir Edward Pitton was appointed president of Connaught, and so harassed the unfortunate natives by his tyrannous proceedings, that soon the whole province was in open revolt. The Clanrickardes, who of late years had ceased to trouble the Crown, became especially active in their opposition. The policy of Pitton was continued by his successor, Bingham, who made " a bare polished garment of the province of Connacht," and by that most venal of Deputies, Sir William Fitzwilliam, and for the next twenty years the town, which ever kept the most unswerving loyalty to the Crown, was the scene of constant " excursions and alarms." As a natural consequence, it suffered both in population and commerce. Many Irish families who had settled in Galway during the past century once again took to the hills and threw in their lot with their oppressed compatriots. As the centre of these troubles, the destruction of the town at the hands of the incensed Irish became each day more imminent. The necessity of materially increasing the defences became evident : the walls were strengthened, and several new fortifications built. The most important of these was that of Forthill, built about the Augustinian Church in 1600.*

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 29

41. Galway Volunteers initiated non-consumption movement

    Galway · city · Galway

    The first determined stand against English manufactures and in favour of home goods was taken by the men of Galway. The movement spread with marvellous rapidity throughout the island, embracing all creeds and classes, and predated the Dublin Volunteers' similar action.

    Read the passage

    These manly and patriotic resolutions of the Galway Volunteers were published and adopted in Tuam — many of whose leading sons were in their ranks — and they were promulgated not only throughout the County of Galway alone, but throughout the length and breadth of the kingdom, finding favour and adoption in every quarter. It is cheering to find that the first determined stand against English manufactures and in favour of home goods, was taken by the men of Galway, and that if History but gave the credit of the idea to those to whom it is due, it is to this County and not to the Dublin Volunteers she should ascribe the merit of the suggestion and the honour of the initiation of a movement which spread with marvellous rapidity throughout the Island, and embraced all creeds and classes.

    The officers of the Galway corps included the chief County families, as will be seen by the names of the principal, namely, Marcus Blake Lynch, Eobert Martin, Richard Butler, Uhck O'Brien, Power Trench, Edmund Fitzpatrick, Dominick Daly, John Burke, Bowes Egan, Samuel Hanly, John Francis Hutchinson, Henry Blake, James Brown, &c. As an instance of what Galway has lost by the Union, it may be mentioned here that in 1794 there were registered as belonging to the port of Galway 74 vessels containing 2,580 tons, and 276 seamen. It would be easy to compute the number to-day, for we don't believe it is a half of what it was a hundred years ago.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 42

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in the city where the first determined stand against English manufactures and in favour of home goods was taken. It was the Galway Volunteers who did it. The resolutions they passed were published and adopted in Tuam, where many of the leading sons of that town were in their ranks. From there the movement spread, not only through the County of Galway but throughout the length and breadth of the kingdom, finding favour and adoption in every quarter. History, the passage says, should give the credit of the idea to Galway and not to the Dublin Volunteers, for it was this county that first suggested and initiated the movement, which spread with marvellous rapidity throughout the island and embraced all creeds and classes. The officers of the Galway corps included the chief county families. Among the principal were Marcus Blake Lynch, Robert Martin, Richard Butler, Rick O'Brien, Power Trench, Edmund Fitzpatrick, Dominick Daly, John Burke, Bowes Egan, Samuel Hanly, John Francis Hutchinson, Henry Blake, and James Brown. As a measure of what Galway lost by the Union, the passage notes that in 1794 there were 74 vessels registered as belonging to the port of Galway, containing 2,580 tons and 276 seamen. The writer did not believe the number was even half of that a hundred years later.

42. Galway Volunteers' non-consumption resolutions adopted in Tuam

    Tuam · town · Galway

    The Galway Volunteers passed patriotic resolutions pledging non-consumption of English goods in favour of Irish manufactures. These were published and adopted in Tuam, whose leading sons were in their ranks, and spread throughout the kingdom.

    Read the passage

    These manly and patriotic resolutions of the Galway Volunteers were published and adopted in Tuam — many of whose leading sons were in their ranks — and they were promulgated not only throughout the County of Galway alone, but throughout the length and breadth of the kingdom, finding favour and adoption in every quarter. It is cheering to find that the first determined stand against English manufactures and in favour of home goods, was taken by the men of Galway, and that if History but gave the credit of the idea to those to whom it is due, it is to this County and not to the Dublin Volunteers she should ascribe the merit of the suggestion and the honour of the initiation of a movement which spread with marvellous rapidity throughout the Island, and embraced all creeds and classes.

    The officers of the Galway corps included the chief County families, as will be seen by the names of the principal, namely, Marcus Blake Lynch, Eobert Martin, Richard Butler, Uhck O'Brien, Power Trench, Edmund Fitzpatrick, Dominick Daly, John Burke, Bowes Egan, Samuel Hanly, John Francis Hutchinson, Henry Blake, James Brown, &c. As an instance of what Galway has lost by the Union, it may be mentioned here that in 1794 there were registered as belonging to the port of Galway 74 vessels containing 2,580 tons, and 276 seamen. It would be easy to compute the number to-day, for we don't believe it is a half of what it was a hundred years ago.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 42

43. The thirteen Tribes of Galway and the town's transformation

    Galway · city · Galway

    Before the arrival of the famous thirteen Tribes of Galway—Athy, Blake, Bodkin, Deane, Darcy, Lynch, Joyce, Kirwan, Martin, Morris, Skerrett, and French—the town consisted only of thatched houses and some castles. The new colonies made it famous worldwide through faithful trading, good education, charity, and hospitality.

    Read the passage

    rise, Sage, Kancoarach, Valley or Wallin, Verdon, Weider, and White. These were the first known Saxon settlers, but as Lynch remarks, " it was not they who gave any name of credit or fame to the town of Galway, but the colony next after mentioned, for until the latter came hither this town was but an ordinary place, with only thatched houses and some castles, but it was by the new colonies and septs made famous to the world, for their trading faithfully, discharging their credit, good education, charity, hospitality, both at home and abroad." The new colony, thus creditably and truthfully referred to, and described, were the famous thirteen " Tribes of Galway." These were as given in

    verse —

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 36

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Galway, the city owes its fame to the thirteen Tribes. Before them came earlier Saxon settlers — Sage, Kancoarach, Valley or Wallin, Verdon, Weider, and White. But as Lynch wrote, "it was not they who gave any name of credit or fame to the town of Galway." Until the next colony arrived, the town was an ordinary place, with only thatched houses and some castles. The new colony made it famous to the world, for trading faithfully, discharging their credit, good education, charity, hospitality, both at home and abroad. That colony was the thirteen Tribes of Galway: Athy, Blake, Bodkin, Deane, Darcy, Lynch, Joyce, Kirwan, Martin, Morris, Skerrett, and French.

44. Unfinished tower of St. Augustine's Church

    Saint Augustine Street · street · Galway · 1859

    The tower of St. Augustine's Church was commenced but never completed. When it reached thirty feet, funds ran short and work stopped, leaving the Church without bell or belfry. The tower's site had been moved back about thirty-five feet due to a dispute with a neighbouring landlord.

    Read the passage

    With the opening of the Church the labours of the builders by no means ceased, for besides the many finishing touches required here and there, there still remained the very important work of erecting the tower, which, as we have already said, was to occupy a different position from that originally intended. But the Fathers who had laboured so hard in collecting funds for that noble Temple, were never to see their handsome Church made still more handsome by the addition of that graceful spire which the architect had intended as the crowning piece of his work. The tower, it is true, was indeed commenced, but alas ! was never finished, for when it had reached the height of 30 feet, the funds ran short, the work was stopped, and ever since the Church has remained without bell or belfry.

    Since the opening ceremony 42 years have passed away, and but little change has taken place in the Church of St. Augustine. In 1892 a splendid stained glass window was erected, and in 1898 the interior was embellished with the beautiful decorations which are now being destroyed owing to the ruinous condition of the roof. With these exceptions alone, very little more has been done, and so the Church stands to-day as it stood for the last 42 years, without

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 15

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Saint Augustine Street in Galway stands the unfinished tower of Saint Augustine's Church. When the church opened, the builders kept working, for the tower still had to be raised. Its position had been moved back about thirty-five feet from where it was first intended, owing to a dispute with a neighbouring landlord. The Fathers who had laboured so hard collecting funds for the church were never to see it made more handsome by the spire the architect had planned as the crowning piece of his work. The tower was commenced, but when it had reached thirty feet, the funds ran short. The work was stopped, and ever since the church has remained without bell or belfry. Since the opening ceremony, forty-two years passed with little change. In 1892 a stained glass window was erected. In 1898 the interior was embellished with decorations that are now being destroyed owing to the ruinous condition of the roof. With these exceptions alone, little more was done, and so the church stood as it had for forty-two years, without its tower complete.

45. Galway castle fortified after Norman invasion, O'Flahertys as feudal lords

    Galway · city · Galway · 1170

    After the 1170 invasion, the castle of Galway was strongly fortified and the town put into a state of defence. The small community of fishermen and merchants was principally under the protection of the O'Flahertys, who held the castle and surrounding territory as feudal lords from the kings of Connaught.

    Read the passage

    " About this time the town and castle of Galway (which the reader was necessarily obliged so long to lose sight of) became of importance to the parties contending for the sovereignty of Connaught. After the invasion in 1170, the castle was strongly fortified, and the town was put into a state of defence. It then consisted of a small community, composed of a few families of fishermen and merchants (many of whose names have been already given in the first chapter), and was principally under the protection of the O'Flahertys, who held the castle and surrounding territory as feudal lords from the kings of Connaught Upon the return of Fedhlim from England, Hugh O'Flaherty, chief of his name, declared in his favour, and in 1230 fortified himself in the castle of Galway. He was besieged on the east side of the river by Richard de Burgo. After several ineffectual endeavours to take the castle, he w7as obliged to raise the siege. Irritated at the spirited resistance of Fedhlim and his adherents, he at length summoned all his forces, and in 1232 succeeded in driving that unfortunate prince from the province, and, continuing his success, he finally took him prisoner, and established Hugh O'Conor in his place. The town and castle of Galwray on this occasion fell into his hands, and having then discovered the great importance of the place, he in the same year built several considerable additions to the castle. Fedhlim having immediately after regained his liberty and kingdom by the death of Hugh, which took place in 1233, laid siege to Galway, and having succeeded in taking the castle, he demolished all the works ; but his powerful antagonist, Richard de Burgo, soon after recovered the town, and thenceforth it became the principal residence of himself and his descendants, and finally the capital of the province, which it still continues to be. He then fortified it against the incursions of the Irish, and appointed a magistrate, who was indiscriminately called a provost or bailiff, and who governed the inhabitants by established laws. Fedhlim O'Conor preserved his ideal title, and with it a scanty remnant of the kingdom of his ancestors, until the year 1265, when he died, leaving his son Hugh to succeed him. The latter, on his accession, having asserted and supported his claims to the royal name and dignity, Walter de Burgo levied a body of forces and marched against him. Hugh, on his side, made every preparation to meet the foe, and a battle took place in which he was completely victorious. De Burgo did not long

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 22

46. Richard de Burgo captures Galway and builds castle additions (1232)

    Galway · city · Galway · 1232

    In 1232 Richard de Burgo succeeded in driving Fedhlim O'Conor from the province and capturing Galway. Recognising the great importance of the place, he built several considerable additions to the castle the same year.

    Read the passage

    " About this time the town and castle of Galway (which the reader was necessarily obliged so long to lose sight of) became of importance to the parties contending for the sovereignty of Connaught. After the invasion in 1170, the castle was strongly fortified, and the town was put into a state of defence. It then consisted of a small community, composed of a few families of fishermen and merchants (many of whose names have been already given in the first chapter), and was principally under the protection of the O'Flahertys, who held the castle and surrounding territory as feudal lords from the kings of Connaught Upon the return of Fedhlim from England, Hugh O'Flaherty, chief of his name, declared in his favour, and in 1230 fortified himself in the castle of Galway. He was besieged on the east side of the river by Richard de Burgo. After several ineffectual endeavours to take the castle, he w7as obliged to raise the siege. Irritated at the spirited resistance of Fedhlim and his adherents, he at length summoned all his forces, and in 1232 succeeded in driving that unfortunate prince from the province, and, continuing his success, he finally took him prisoner, and established Hugh O'Conor in his place. The town and castle of Galwray on this occasion fell into his hands, and having then discovered the great importance of the place, he in the same year built several considerable additions to the castle. Fedhlim having immediately after regained his liberty and kingdom by the death of Hugh, which took place in 1233, laid siege to Galway, and having succeeded in taking the castle, he demolished all the works ; but his powerful antagonist, Richard de Burgo, soon after recovered the town, and thenceforth it became the principal residence of himself and his descendants, and finally the capital of the province, which it still continues to be. He then fortified it against the incursions of the Irish, and appointed a magistrate, who was indiscriminately called a provost or bailiff, and who governed the inhabitants by established laws. Fedhlim O'Conor preserved his ideal title, and with it a scanty remnant of the kingdom of his ancestors, until the year 1265, when he died, leaving his son Hugh to succeed him. The latter, on his accession, having asserted and supported his claims to the royal name and dignity, Walter de Burgo levied a body of forces and marched against him. Hugh, on his side, made every preparation to meet the foe, and a battle took place in which he was completely victorious. De Burgo did not long

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 22

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Galway now. This city was fought over centuries ago, and the year 1232 was when it changed hands for good. After the invasion of 1170 the castle here was strongly fortified, and the town was put into a state of defence. It was a small community then, a few families of fishermen and merchants, and it was principally under the protection of the O'Flahertys, who held the castle and the surrounding territory as feudal lords from the kings of Connaught. Hugh O'Flaherty, chief of his name, declared in favour of Fedhlim O'Conor, and in 1230 he fortified himself in the castle of Galway. Richard de Burgo besieged him from the east side of the river. He made several attempts to take the castle, but each one failed, and he was obliged to raise the siege. Irritated at the spirited resistance of Fedhlim and his adherents, he summoned all his forces, and in 1232 he succeeded in driving that unfortunate prince from the province. He took Fedhlim prisoner and established Hugh O'Conor in his place. The town and castle of Galway fell into his hands. He saw the great importance of the place, and that same year he built several considerable additions to the castle. Fedhlim regained his liberty when Hugh died in 1233, and he laid siege to Galway and took the castle, demolishing all the works de Burgo had built. But Richard de Burgo soon recovered the town, and from then on it became the principal residence of himself and his descendants, and the capital of the province.

47. Augustinian Nuns relocate to house opposite Court Theatre c.1725

    Middle Street · street · Galway · 1725–1850

    Around 1725, when persecution subsided, the Augustinian Nuns did not return to their original convent on Middle Street but instead obtained a more commodious house lower down the street, opposite the present Court Theatre, which they converted into a handsome convent and occupied until near the middle of the nineteenth century.

    Read the passage

    /When about the year 1725, a more peaceable state of things prevailed, and the religious, Priests and Nuns, came forth from their hiding places, threw off their disguise, and again took possession of their former dwellings — if, perchance, they remained standing, — the daughters of Augustine, instead of returning to the Convent, which occupied, as we have already said, the site of the Mechanics' Institute, obtained a much more commodious house lower down in the street (opposite the present Court Theatre), which they turned into a handsome Convent and continued to occupy until near the middle of the last century. Kegarding this Convent, the Mayor reported in 1731,

    " That the Sheriffs searched the reputed Nunnery in Middle St., called the Augustine Nunnery, and had found none but servants therein ; but discovered in seven rooms ten beds, in which it was apprehended the reputed Nuns lay before their dispersion."

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    On this street in Galway, around 1725, the Augustinian Nuns found a new home. When a more peaceable state of things prevailed, priests and nuns came forth from their hiding places and took possession of their former dwellings if they remained standing. The daughters of Augustine did not return to their old convent, which occupied the site of the Mechanics' Institute. Instead they obtained a much more commodious house lower down the street, opposite the present Court Theatre. They turned it into a handsome convent and continued to occupy it until near the middle of the nineteenth century. In 1731 the Mayor reported that the Sheriffs searched the reputed nunnery in Middle Street and found none but servants therein. But they discovered in seven rooms ten beds, in which it was apprehended the reputed nuns lay before their dispersion.

48. Augustinian Nunnery ruins and graves at Forthill

    Forthill · site · Donegal

    An Augustinian Nunnery existed in Galway for centuries, up to the middle of the 19th century. By the time of writing, the community was gone, but the ruins of their Convent remained, along with a few tombstones in Forthill marking the nuns' last resting place.

    Read the passage

    Times, however, are changed. That once happy community is no more. The ruins of their Convent still remain, and these, together with a few tombstones in Forthill, which mark the last resting place of the holy Nuns, are all that is left to remind us of a time when not only the sons, but the daughters too, of the great Augustine laboured for the welfare of the people of the Capital of the West.

    Although the date of the foundation of the first Augustinian Nunnery in Galway is shrouded in the deepest mystery, still it is not presumptuous to say that such a foundation existed shortly after — if indeed not before — the advent of the Friars to the ancient city. We know that a Convent of these Nuns was founded at Kilcruenata, in the County of Galway, in the year 1200, by Charles O'Connor, an Irish gentleman ; and it is not at all unlikely that the Nuns afterwards transferred themselves to the town, that they might be nearer the Friars of their Order, and thus more easily obtain direction in both their spiritual and temporal

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 16

49. De Burgos divide Connaught after 1333 assassination

    Galway · city · Galway · 1333

    Upon the assassination of William the Third, Earl of Ulster, in 1333, Edmund Albanach and Sir William de Burgo seized the entire territory of Connaught and divided it between them. Sir William received the Town of Galway with the southern portion of the province.

    Read the passage

    Upon the assassination of William the Third, Earl of Ulster, in 1333, Edmund Albanach and Sir William de Burgo, the most powerful of the junior branches of the de Burgos, threw off their allegiance to the Crown, and, disregarding the rights of Elizabeth, the daughter of the slain earl, took possession of the entire territory of Connaught, which they divided between them. To Sir William fell the Town of Galway, with the southern portion of the province.

    The adherence of the natives was of course absolutely essential to enable them to retain their usurped possessions. To win this they laid aside every tie which might even appear to bind them to England, and embraced the manners, customs, dress, language, and laws of the land of their adoption. Sir William adopted the title of Mac William Eighter, and Sir Edmund that of MacWilliam Oughter, their English titles having been dropped with the rest.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 23

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now near Galway. In 1333, William the Third, Earl of Ulster, was assassinated. Two of the most powerful men of the junior branches of the de Burgo family, Edmund Albanach and Sir William de Burgo, seized their chance. They threw off their allegiance to the Crown and disregarded the rights of Elizabeth, the slain earl's daughter. They took possession of the entire territory of Connaught and divided it between them. The Town of Galway and the southern portion of the province fell to Sir William. To hold what they had taken, they needed the backing of the native population. They laid aside every tie that might bind them to England and embraced the manners, customs, dress, language, and laws of the land. Sir William took the title Mac William Eighter, and Sir Edmund that of Mac William Oughter, their English titles dropped with the rest.

50. Eyre Square enclosed as public green

    Eyre Square · street · Galway · 1630

    In 1630 the public green outside the East Gate of Galway, now known as Eyre Square, was enclosed with a railing and planted with trees as the town reached its peak prosperity. New streets, hospitals, churches, and gate towers were also built during this period of growth.

    Read the passage

    the growth of the town in size and wealth continued. New streets were formed and the older streets repaired ; hospitals were erected and churches built ; towers were erected at the various gates, and in 1630 the public green outside the E Gate (now Eyre Square) was enclosed by a railing and planted with trees. Galway now was at the full tide of its prosperity, and now the ebb began. It had reached a pinnacle of greatness and repute, which placed it far above most of the other towns of the three kingdoms, but it had attained the summit only to start its downward descent.

    About this time Ireland was torn asunder by every possible form of dissension — civil, military and religious ; and now the necessitous Charles contributed his quota to the general turmoil. By means of his tool the deputy Strafford, he began to extort large sums of money through a system of the most galling exactions.- Having failed to extract from England by legitimate means sufficient money to meet his wants, he started to oppress his Irish subjects to gain means of oppressing his English ones.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 30

    As the companion tells it

    Along here in Galway, the town was growing in size and wealth. New streets were formed and older streets repaired. Hospitals were erected and churches built. Towers went up at the various gates. And in 1630, the public green outside the East Gate, now known as Eyre Square, was enclosed by a railing and planted with trees. Galway was then at the full tide of its prosperity. But it had reached the summit only to start its downward descent. The town stood far above most other towns of the three kingdoms, yet the ebb had begun. About this time Ireland was torn asunder by every form of dissension — civil, military and religious. The necessitous Charles contributed his quota to the turmoil. Through his tool, the deputy Strafford, he began to extort large sums of money through the most galling exactions. Having failed to extract sufficient money from England by legitimate means, he started to oppress his Irish subjects to gain means of oppressing his English ones.

51. Galway trade revives after Catholic Bill of 1793

    Galway · city · Galway · 1793–1812

    With the passing of the Catholic Bill of 1793, hope returned to Galway. Manufacturing and shipping industries multiplied year by year, and the population increased to a computed 40,000 by 1812. The harbour filled again with vessels from various parts of the world.

    Read the passage

    With the passing of the enlightened Catholic Bill of 1793, hope once more began to dawn upon the town ; again was heard the cheery rattle of the noisy-laden lorry ; and again the stately argosies of other lands were seen standing for the port, their proudly-swelling sails scorning the little fluttering rags of the fishing smacks, which had held of late years the undisputed sway of the harbour. The manufacturing and shipping industries multiplied year by year, and the population increased at what was in these times a phenomenal rate. In 1812 it was computed at 40,000

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 33

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through Galway now. After the Catholic Bill of 1793 passed, hope came back to the town. The loaded lorries rattled through the streets again, and ships from other lands returned to the harbour, their great sails making the fishing boats that had ruled the harbour look like little fluttering rags. Manufacturing and shipping multiplied year by year, and the population grew at a rate people thought phenomenal in those times. By 1812 it was put at 40,000.

52. Rain damage threatens the Augustinian Church

    Galway · city · Galway · 1900–1901

    The Augustinian Church in Galway suffered severe rain damage during the winter of 1900, with the roof becoming ruinous and stonework crumbling. To save the church from destruction, the Augustinian Fathers organized a grand Bazaar in 1901 to raise funds for repairs.

    Read the passage

    ■ Unwilling as were the Augustinian Fathers to appeal to the public for funds, they were at length compelled by force of circumstances over which they had no control, to ask for the help they so sadly needed, and which they knew the people were so willing to give. At the time their Church was being decorated it was thought that the wall and roof were perfectly sound and in good condition. Scarcely, however, were the decorations complete, when a few dark blotches here and there on the walls made it apparent that the rain was working its way through the walls, and unless remedied would sooner or later play havoc with the much admired decorations. Steps were taken at once to have so serious a matter remedied, and for a time all appeared to be right. With each succeeding winter, however, things went from bad to worse, until at length, in the year 1900, the climax was reached. During the winter of that year the rain poured in in almost every part of the Church, and it at once became patent that if not only the decorations, but even the Church itself was to be saved from destruction, some serious and immediate steps must be taken. An expert was employed to examine the entire building, and he having completed his examination, reported that the roof was in a ruinous condition, whilst the stone work was in many places crumbling away, and absorbing both rain and moisture. There was nothing for it now but to have the matter put at once into the hands of a contractor. This was done, but not without the community incurring a very heavy debt, which, added to their other liabilities, placed them in a very precarious condition, and compelled them to make an appeal to the public and organise the present grand Bazaar.

    94 THE GAILLIV.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 47

    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes through Galway, you are in the city where the Augustinian Church nearly fell to the weather. The Augustinian Fathers had been reluctant to ask the public for money, but they were driven to it by circumstances beyond their control. Their church had been decorated, and at the time it was thought the walls and roof were perfectly sound. But no sooner were the decorations complete than dark blotches began appearing on the walls, making it clear that rain was working its way through. Steps were taken at once to remedy the matter, and for a time all appeared right. With each succeeding winter, things went from bad to worse. The climax came in 1900. During the winter of that year rain poured in through almost every part of the church. It became plain that if the church itself was to be saved from destruction, serious and immediate steps had to be taken. An expert was employed to examine the entire building. He reported that the roof was in a ruinous condition, and that the stonework was in many places crumbling away, absorbing both rain and moisture. There was nothing for it but to put the matter into the hands of a contractor. This was done, but the community incurred a very heavy debt, which added to their other liabilities left them in a precarious state. They were compelled to appeal to the public and organise a grand Bazaar in 1901 to raise the funds.

53. Foundation stone of St. Augustine's Church laid by Hardiman

    Saint Augustine Street · street · Galway · 1855

    The foundation stone of the new St. Augustine's Church was laid on August 28th, 1855, the Feast of St. Augustine, by James Hardiman, the historian of Galway. Donations flowed in from all parts of Ireland and the United States to fund the project.

    Read the passage

    The interesting ceremony of laying the foundation stone took place on August 28th (Feast of St. Augustine), 1855, and was performed by James Hardiman, the great historian of Galway, whose name will be ever dear to the people of this ancient city, and whose memory will ever live in the pages of that excellent and valuable work — Hardiman' s " History of Galway."

    The work of building now proceeded rapidly, and the Church would have been completed in a comparatively short time were it not for two unfortunate hitches which seriously impeded the work. The first of these arose from some misunderstanding between the contractor and the architect, and resulted, practically speaking, in the suspension of all work during six months. The next arose from a difficulty with the landlord of the neighbouring property, who refused to give, except at a very high price, the ground required for the site of the tower. This difficulty at first appeared a very serious one, but was obviated by the architect changing his plans and moving the site of the tower about 35 feet back from its original position.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 15

54. Augustinian church building appeal, Galway, 1852

    Eyre Street · street · Galway · 1852

    In 1852 the Augustinian Brethren announced their intention to erect a new ample church on the site of their confined chapel in Galway. James Hardiman, the historian of Galway, wrote from Eyre Street supporting the appeal and detailing the wrongs done to the order in previous centuries.

    Read the passage

    Sir, — Permit rne through the medium of your valuable paper to congratulate our fellow-townsmen on the announcement lately made by the Venerable Brethren of St. Augustine of their intention to erect an ample church on the site of their present confined chapel. Prom our knowledge of the piety and zeal of those excellent divines, we may rest assured that the proposed work will be at once an honour to religion and an ornament to our town. The principal object, however, of this communication is to direct attention to a letter which appeared in your columns signed " An Old Residentor," and to corroborate from original documents the statement made in that letter — that, upon the invasion of Cromwell, the Friars were solicited by the existing Corporation to level the convent at Porthill, with a promise that a convent and church would be built for them at the expense of the town. It is well known to most of your local readers, and particularly to all our " Old Residentors," that the ancient Abbey of St. Augustine stood in an elevated and picturesque situation on the rising ground south of the town, and it appears, as delineated on the well-known old map of Galway, to have been a spacious and beautiful Gothic structure, crowning our magnificent bay, and conspicuously ornamental to the country. We learn from Irish History that in the year 1596 the celebrated Irish Chieftain, Red Hugh O'Donnell, with MacWilliam De Burgo and other Irish leaders in rebellion against Queen Elizabeth, assembled in this Abbey and summoned the town, but having been successfully resisted, they were soon after obliged to retire. This occurrence, however, gave rise to apprehensions among the citizens that the Abbey, from its commanding position, might, on some future occasion, prove dangerous in the hands of an enemy. Accordingly, during the memorable struggles of the succeeding century, its demolition was finally determined on, and a "Common Seal" of the Corporation was passed to the Brethren in the following words : —

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 13

55. Henry VIII confiscates St. Augustine's cemetery

    Forthill · site · Donegal · 1538

    Around 1538, the cemetery and lands attached to the Augustinian monastery in Galway were seized and confiscated by order of Henry VIII. Despite the confiscation, the Catholic population continued to have free access for burying their dead for many years afterwards.

    Read the passage

    Towards the middle of the 16th century, most likely about the year 1538, it was, together with a large portion of the lands attached to the Augustinian monastery, seized and confiscated by order of Henry VIII. The deed of confiscation did not, however, forbid its use as a cemetery, and for many years afterwards the Catholic population had free access to it for the purpose of burying their dead. In 1551, however, the Protestant party presented a memorial to the King asking that the cemetery attached to St. Augustine's monastery be granted to them for the augmentation of divine worship, and the more ample support of the warden and vicars. Although the King granted the petition, still the Catholic party, which was by far the more numerous, insisted on their rights, and refused to regard any others than the Augustinian Friars as the rightful owners.

    A worse fate still awaited St. Augustine's cemetery, or the Abbey Hill as it was then called, and the awful crime of desecration was to be added to that of unlawful confiscation. In the year 1600 the Lord Deputy of Galway, fearing an invasion by the Spaniards, and recognising the advantageous position afforded by the hill on which the cemetery stood, ordered the graves to be levelled, the tombstones to be removed or buried beneath the soil — in a word, the cemetery to be completely effaced, and a fort

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 3

56. Augustinian Friary searched in Back-Street

    Back Street · street · Cork · 1731

    During the severe penal visitation of 1731, sheriffs searched the Augustinian Friary in Back-Street, Galway, discovering a large chapel, seven chambers, and nine beds but no friars. The community had lived there in defiance of penal laws since before the reign of King George I.

    Read the passage

    The sheriffs searched the reputed friary in Back-street, called the Augustinian Friary, wherein there was a large chapel with forms, but the altar and pictures taken down ; and within which said reputed friary there are seven chambers and nine beds, wherein they apprehend the friars used to lie, but could not find or discover any of the said friars, which said house they believe was converted to a friary many years ago, and before the reign of King George I." From this remarkable and interesting report, it is patent that the sons of the great Augustine not only did not obey the many edicts promulgated against them during the first 24 years of the 18th century, but actually lived in community in one of the principal streets of the town. Not only did they live in community, but it would seem from the fact that the sheriffs discovered as many as nine beds when making their search in 1731, that the community was by no means a small one — a fact which is very remarkable considering all the forces militating for a decrease rather than an increase in numbers.

    The persecution of 1731 was the last severe blow at the Catholics and clergy of Galway, or to use the words of the great historian, " since this last and most violent gasp of expiring bigotry, the Catholic population of Galway, with very few exceptions, have remained unmolested on account of their religion."

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 12

57. Bye-laws restricting intercourse with Irish in Galway, 1514–1519

    Galway · city · Galway · 1514–1519

    The Galway Corporation enacted a series of bye-laws prohibiting townspeople from selling boats, weapons, or munitions to Irishmen, and forbidding Irish judges or lawyers from pleading in the town. The laws also banned hosting members of the Burks, MacWilliams, the Kellies, or any Irish sept without licence of the mayor and councill.

    Read the passage

    That no man of this town shall oste or receive into their housses at Christemas, Easter, nor no feaste elles, any of the Burks, MacWilliams, the Kellies, nor no cept elles, withoute licence of the mayor and councill, on payn to forfayt £5 . . . that neither 0' ne Mac shall strutte ne swayyer thro' the streets of Gal/way.

    1519. That no Irish judge nor lawire shall plede in no man's cause or matter within this towne or courte, for it agreeth not with the King's laws, nay yet the emprors in many placis.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 29

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Galway now. Between 1514 and 1519 the town corporation passed bye-laws to keep the Irish at arm's length. No townsman could host any of the Burks, MacWilliams, the Kellies, or any sept, without licence of the mayor and councill, on pain of forfeiting £5. No O nor Mac was to strut or swagger through the streets. In 1519, no Irish judge or lawyer was to plead any cause in the town,

58. Corporation Book document calls Galway 'her Majesties town' in 1560

    Galway · city · Galway · 1560

    A 1560 entry in the Galway Corporation Book A refers to the settlement as 'her Majesties town of Galway', indicating the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. This phrasing helped correct a mistaken assignment of the document to the year 1500.

    Read the passage

    f The reference is to entries on fol. 7 (p. 391 in the Report). The undated entry contains the names of Stevn Artoure Lynch, Mayor, and James Linch and Nicholas French, bailiffs. These last are the names of the bailiffs for 1500, to which date Sir J. Gilbert accordingly assigns the document. As to the Mayor's name, he says it " appears to have been entered in error instead of that of Geffere Lynch who was Mayor in 1500." This, however, is all a mistake ; for the entry belongs to 1560. In that year (see Report, p. 418), as Mr. M. J. Blake points out, these three names occur together as Mayor and bailiffs respectively. Moreover, the document on fol. 7 refers to "this her Majesties town of Galway." His Majesty's, of course, in 1500 ; her, in 1560.

    90 THE GAILLIV.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 45

59. Dominick Martyn petitions to remain in Galway, 1698

    Galway · city · Galway · 1698

    Dominick Martyn, an elderly and infirm Augustinian friar, petitioned the Lord Lieutenant in 1698 for permission to remain in Galway rather than be transported out of the kingdom as required by proclamation against Popish regular clergy. On 9 July 1698 he was permitted to stay upon posting a £200 recognizance before the Mayor of Galway.

    Read the passage

    " Upon consideration had of the within petition, it is ordered that the petitioner, Dominick Martyn, with good security, do before the Mayor of Galway, acknowledge and recognise to his Majesty, in the sum of Two Hundred Pounds, with addition that petitioner shall, ten days next after, notice or warning to be left for that purpose, at some well-known place to be mentioned in the conditions of the recognizance, personally appear before the Lord Lieutenant, or other Chief Governor or Government of this Kingdom for the time being, and Counsel, and after his appearance be made shall not depart without special license in that behalf, from the Lord Lieutenant or other Chief Governor or Governors of this Kingdom for the time being, and Counsel as aforesaid ; and shall in the meantime demane himself a dutiful and loyal subject, and upon certificate from the Mayor of Galway of such recognizance be acknowledged, we are pleased that the petitioner be permitted to remain in this Kingdom until further orders, notwithstanding the proclamation for the transportation of the Popish regular clergy out of this Kingdom, and said recognizance so acknowledged is to be returned to the Clerk of the Council.

    " Ormond, Anun,

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 11

60. Galway made seat of De Burgo government

    Galway · city · Galway · 1315–1333

    After the defeat of Fedhlim at Athenry, the De Burgos gained complete control of Connacht from the Shannon to the sea. They made Galway the seat of their government, further increasing the town's importance and freeing inhabitants to embellish the town with noble mansions.

    Read the passage

    Ireland in 1315 was invaded by Edward Bruce. Fedhlim of Connacht after some time declared for him, but signally failed to capture the town of Galway. Emboldened by their success, the townspeople sent forth their trained bands under Sir William Leigh de Burgh, to give him battle. The engagement which followed at Athenry is said to be the most sanguinary recorded in the history of the town. Fedhlim fell with 8,000 of his men. This defeat gave the De Burgos the complete control of the whole province from the Shannon to the sea, and making Galway the seat of their government, its importance was still further increased. Freed from the possibility of a serious war with their jealous neighbours, the inhabitants devoted themselves to the embellishment of the town and the increase of their own personal comfort. Many noble mansions were now erected, and in their midst the noble Church of St. Nicholas of Myra arose in its stately grandeur,

    Upon the assassination of William the Third, Earl of Ulster, in 1333, Edmund Albanach and Sir William de Burgo, the most powerful of the junior branches of the de Burgos, threw off their allegiance to the Crown, and, disregarding the rights of Elizabeth, the daughter of the slain earl, took possession of the entire territory of Connaught, which they divided between them. To Sir William fell the Town of Galway, with the southern portion of the province.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 23

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are moving through a city that became the seat of De Burgo power in Connacht. In 1315, Edward Bruce invaded Ireland. Fedhlim of Connacht declared for him but failed to capture the town of Galway. The townspeople sent their trained bands under Sir William Leigh de Burgh to give him battle. The engagement at Athenry is said to be the most sanguinary recorded in the history of the town. Fedhlim fell with 8,000 of his men. That defeat gave the De Burgos complete control of the whole province from the Shannon to the sea. They made Galway the seat of their government, and its importance increased further. Freed from the possibility of a serious war with their jealous neighbours, the inhabitants devoted themselves to embellishing the town and increasing their own comfort. Many noble mansions were erected, and among them the Church of St. Nicholas of Myra arose in its stately grandeur. In 1333, William the Third, Earl of Ulster, was assassinated. Edmund Albanach and Sir William de Burgo, the most powerful of the junior branches of the de Burgos, threw off their allegiance to the Crown. Disregarding the rights of Elizabeth, the daughter of the slain earl, they took possession of the entire territory of Connaught and divided it between them. To Sir William fell the Town of Galway, with the southern portion of the province.